Former MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo believes the Ecstar Suzukis have the pace to fight for a win in tomorrow’s Catalunya race and is surprised by their one-lap speed and over a long run.

Lorenzo also expressed disappointment at putting in a lap under the existing circuit best but still only getting third place on the grid, saying the Suzuki has a big advantage with the soft tyre.

“I am disappointed because we made an unbelievable lap with our bike it is a very good laptime and we are only in third place. This is the thing this year. Ducati and Suzuki have the strategy of this tyre and they have a very big advantage,” said Lorenzo, speaking at the track.

“The Suzukis, at this track, it is very difficult to stay in front of them. But being the first rider with the normal tyre and in front of the Honda has a lot of merit and it is a good place to start.

“I am surprised with their single lap and with their pace. It seem they improve a lot their response of the engine, the exit corners very fast so they have a great bike and will be able to fight for the podium or win.”