Movistar Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo underwent three operations in the winter to remove various pieces of metal work from injuries sustained in 2013 and said that although he is not 100 per cent, it should not affect his performance at this weekend’s Qatar MotoGP opener.

Lorenzo crashed heavily twice at Assen and the Sachsenring last year, necessitating metalwork to hold his collarbone together while he also had another operation on his finger and his back. All that came out over the break which also affected his training regime.

“I undertook three surgeries during the wintertime to take out some plates and metal pieces from the collarbone and the hand so I returned to full fitness quite late. In general I feel nearly at 100% and I guess in Qatar we won’t have any problems to push to the maximum,” said Lorenzo, speaking at Qatar.

“As we were able to improve our performance at Phillip Island with the new tyres I feel quite confident for the very first race. Concerning the track needless to say this is a good layout for both my Yamaha and me. I won here the past two races in a row and this is a circuit that suits in a good way the M1.

“The only thing we have to wait and see is the behaviour of the new tyres; especially on this surface; there is usually plenty of sand because it’s surround by the desert. The championship is going to be even tighter than last season was and at the beginning just Márquez begins as the favorite contender.

“Afterwards I guess Dani or me are in a good position but also Valentino who is even hungrier than in 2013. Regarding Marc’s pace we should wait before saying anything about it. He is so strong and quick. Maybe he won't start at a perfect level but I’m pretty sure he is going to be close to 100 per cent.”