Movistar Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo reckons he is having to take big risks to get a fast lap with the new-spec Bridgestone MotoGP tyres and that he is trying very hard not to crash.

The former World Champion could only muster seventh place on the combined free practice timesheets and Lorenzo says that even with myriad changes to his M1, he is going to struggle come race day.

“In Australia we had a more or less normal tyre with no problems. I was first for three days but here and at Sepang, because the tyre is the same, we cannot go fast. We are risking a lot, much more than ever, and we are slow,” said the Spaniard.

“We try many things with both bikes but never good grip. The tyre is stronger and give you less grip in the seat of the corners, you feel worse. I will just try not to crash. We have seen two big crashes in the highside. The tyre doesn’t offer the same safety as last year, we are very close to the limit and we will struggle but try and finish in the best place we can do.”