Factory Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo has called 2011 MotoGP title rival Casey Stoner a phenomenon and said the championship is the Australian's to lose this year.

Lorenzo, who looks increasingly likely to give up his number one plate and go back to 99 for 2012, is at a loss for what to do about the 2007 world champion, saying Stoner if wins the the title, then he deserves it.

"He (Stoner) can only lose this championship this year. It can rain for five races in a row or he can break an engine. He has eight victories, I have only three, he deserves the championship this year. One race good, two races not so good it is difficult to win the championship. One race I can fight for the victory, two races for the podium, it is like this," said Lorenzo, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

"We all see this is a phenomenon. With the Ducati he won three races last year, with the same Ducati, other riders are not able to finish on the podium only Vale at Le Mans. Stoner is really fast and has great feel. And he has a great bike so it's easier."