Lorenzo: Set-up bigger issue than injury

The Spaniard broke a bone in his right hand during a training accident earlier this year, and had to miss the second test of the winter at Sepang.

He had insisted that the Losail weekend was just be about gathering consistent points while still not fully fit, rather than trying for victory, but said his physical condition was better than expected so far.

"Luckily for me the hand is quite good," said Lorenzo after taking third on the grid behind Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. "It's much better than at the test.

"Now the problem is that the bike doesn't work so well, especially on the rear tyre. So now we are struggling quite a lot to get faster and to get close to Casey and Vale."

Despite feeling he might not have the speed to win, Lorenzo vowed to give his all in tomorrow night's race.

"The bike will maybe not improve tomorrow, so I'll fight with what I have," he said.