Lorenzo "not obsessed" over 2017 Ducati race win hopes

Lorenzo's best result during his first year with Ducati has been third place, as he stood on the podium at Jerez and Aragon.

The Spaniard, who won in every MotoGP season of his career so far, says it might be more likely that he won't win this year, but he doesn't consider it a big issue.

"I'm not obsessed with it, maybe the chances of not winning this year are higher than winning," he said.

"I enjoy it [riding with Ducati] more and more, but nothing guarantees that I will achieve my first victory [with Ducati] this year."

Lorenzo insists the fact he is not fighting for the title puts less pressure on him this year, and feels he can thus afford to take more risks in the final rounds of the campaign.

"The last four races are not like the pre-season, because in winter there is still less pressure, but we can still risk a little more because if we fall, nothing happens.

"I have nothing to lose, that allows me to run with less pressure."

"Improving a lot faster since Brno"

Lorenzo says he has been improving at an increased rate since the summer break, and feels it is now easier for him to stay in front during the races.

"We've been improving a lot faster since Brno and we have progressed a lot.

"What has changed is a combination of things. I've been with this team for nine months, we took a step forward in Brno and now I know what the bike needs in order to go fast.

"Now it is easier to get in the fight than at the beginning of the year.

"My goal [for the future] is not just the title, but to make the Ducati the best bike on the grid."

Additional reporting by Oriol Puigdemont