MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo expects mixed up races in 2016

The reigning world champion dominated the opening pre-season test at Sepang a fortnight ago, as teams also adapted to new Michelin tyres, finishing an average of one-second clear on the two days he topped.

Following Wednesday's washout, Lorenzo led the way on the second day of the Phillip Island test with two minutes remaining, but with one second covering the top 13 riders.

He was ultimately beaten by Maverick Vinales and Marc Marquez, finishing 0.226 seconds behind the Suzuki pacesetter, and said that a new circuit has shown that different characteristics could come to the fore this year.

"Looking at what happened today, it looks like the new electronics are going to change the performance of the bikes a lot on other tracks," he said.

"Someone can have an advantage at one track and maybe they have more problems at another.

"We have to understand how to be more competitive here to get the same advantage we had in Sepang."

Lorenzo admitted to struggling with the front tyre during the afternoon's dry running.

The Spaniard primarily rode the 2015 Yamaha, and his programme included a half-race simulation.

"Today we have experienced some issues on the front with the stability to ride confidently with open throttle," he added.

"It was a combination of the type of track, the type of asphalt and the type of corners, which are faster than Sepang and are inducing these problems.

"If we can solve the problem we can be much quicker, let's see if it's possible."

NEW ELECTRONICS MORE DEMANDING

Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi also graced the top of the timesheets during the day, and finished fourth, just 0.047s behind the lead Yamaha.

The majority of in-race electronic adjustment will be left to riders with the new Magneti Marelli units, rather than being automated through the factory ECUs, and Rossi said that will add up over a grand prix.

"Keeping up the pace in the race will be harder," he said.

"Simply because you get less help from the electronics, you have to do more work with your body and the throttle, so that will be a bit more demanding."