Yamaha factory MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo is optimistic following a strong first test of 2012 aboard the all-new 1000cc YZR-M1 this week.

Lorenzo and teammate Ben Spies focused on the balance of the M1 chassis along with improving the electronics package to gain the optimum performance from the increased horsepower.

New Bridgestone tyres were also assessed ahead of the upcoming race season. The times from today’s final session saw Lorenzo slot in as the second fastest rider, 0.59 seconds behind Casey Stoner.

“I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang,” the 2010 world champion said. “We tried a lot of things, some have been a lot better – especially one major improvement.

“We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic.

“The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back.”

Lorenzo will return to Spain whilst the engineers return to Japan with the valuable data to make the next steps forward in development. The team will return in four weeks time to test the work done.