Lorenzo says he has nothing to lose

The Spaniard's Estoril win has brought him back to within 18 points of his Yamaha team-mate in the standings with three rounds to go.

He now aims to go for broke and win all the remaining rounds, but will be satisfied with his achievements in his second year of MotoGP whatever happens.

"I'd bet on myself for all three races," Lorenzo told Gazzetta dello Sport. "If I want to win the title I have no alternatives. I have one chance and I'll go for it to the end.

"I don't think I've made any mistakes. If I lose it's only because Valentino has won more races than I have. I have nothing to regret and I have many years ahead to try again.

"Whatever the outcome, I will be partying at Valencia the night after the final race."

Lorenzo reckons next weekend's Australian Grand Prix will be the pivotal point in the title showdown, for it will be much harder to catch Rossi if the Italian wins at Phillip Island, and it is also a race where Casey Stoner is likely to be particularly strong.

"Valentino will want to win again, and he must be working hard to do that in Australia. Next race will be the decisive one," said Lorenzo.

"At the moment I'm focusing on my riding. The bike is never perfect, you can always improve it. However, I prefer to improve myself. I'd say that at the moment both myself and my Yamaha are quite well sorted.

"[Dani] Pedrosa and Stoner are in very good shape, they will want to win. For Australia I have a lot of confidence in Stoner, he may finish ahead of Valentino. In front of me too, however!

"I'm not saying he would be happy, but in my opinion Casey wouldn't be sorry if I end up winning the title."

Lorenzo is confident that whoever emerges on top will be a thoroughly deserving champion given the intensity of their season-long battle..

"After a season such as this one, we both deserve to become champion," he said. "It's difficult [for me], but not impossible. This year, crashes apart I've always reached the podium. In all the three remaining races I will have the opportunity to win."