“It is a different situation to have such a fast team-mate who is very strong and I think will be a good rival also for the future. But to have a fast rider on the same bike is also motivation to try and be better.

“We have two different tyres, so sometimes we have some advantage, sometimes we have some disadvantage, but it is interesting,” said Valentino Rossi

“It is like always. You need a great, great effort and this year maybe also more, because I have a new and young rival, so I have to give the more effort for stay on top,” said the seven-times world champion, who has now scored three successive podium finishes for Bridgestone.

Rossi though believes he can’t just focus attention on double world 250 champion Lorenzo, with Pedrosa and reigning world champion Casey Stoner all in the title hunt.

Rossi added: “Now the level is more close. Last year Casey was in a higher level at a lot of tracks. Now the battle is stronger, longer and more difficult. But it will be interesting.”