Jorge Lorenzo is aiming to continue his good form in Barcelona with a sixth successive podium finish at the Catalunya MotoGP race tomorrow.

Lorenzo claimed victories in 2010, 2012 and last year, and finished second in 2009 behind Valentino Rossi in a famous battle to the line with Casey Stoner pipping him to the chequered flag in 2011.

Palma-born Lorenzo qualified in third place on the Catalunya grid last year but claimed the lead at the first corner and held off the challenges of his rivals to stay ahead throughout the race and cross the line first.

He finished second at the Mugello race in Italy behind Marc Marquez earlier this month and now wants to go one better back in Spain.

“In Mugello I tried my best, I felt stronger and I think we did a really good job,” Lorenzo told reporters yesterday.

“We were really close to the victory and my physical condition improved a lot compared to the last races.

“The bike also worked well and I guess if we can do a step ahead either with the bike or my physical condition we will fight again for the victory.

“Now we’re at Montmelo, one of my favourite tracks like Mugello and I would like at least to be on the podium.

“Last year we could find a good pace for the race and I remember we won in front of the two main rivals, achieving a great win.

“Hopefully, this season we can fight once again; that would be so special considering Montmelo is like my home race.”

Meanwhile, Lorenzo’s Movistar Yamaha team-mate Rossi hopes to build on his success at the Italian race.

“I am very happy to be in Barcelona, especially after the good weekend at Mugello where we put two Yamahas on the podium,” Rossi said.

“I really like the Grand Prix of Catalunya. It is a track that I enjoy a lot, it’s fantastic. I know that to fight with Jorge and Marc (Marquez).

“I have to give my best from the first free practice to be very strong on Sunday (tomorrow).”

Drive M7 Aspar rider Nicky Hayden is hoping to race despite undergoing wrist surgery in Italy last week.