Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo is hoping to continue his recent good form at Laguna Seca and cement his place at the top of the MotoGP standings with a win this weekend.

The 2010 world champion has secured pole position for the previous three years at the California circuit and has converted them all into podium finishes.

Lorenzo, 25, has only finished outside the top two once so far this season, a retirement on the opening lap in Assen, and wants to increase the gap over second-place Dani Pedrosa who is currently 19 points adrift.

“With the exception of the disaster at Assen, we are having a very strong season so far, always finishing in either first or second place,” Lorenzo said.

“I have always had great races in Laguna in MotoGP and always finish on the podium. Hopefully, we can continue to do this here to extend the lead a little more.”

Lorenzo also commented on speculation he could be joined at Yamaha next season by Valentino Rossi.

The rumour mill intensified when Lorenzo’s current team-mate Ben Spies announced he intended to leave the team at the end of the season and although Lorenzo is disappointed to see the American rider leave, he believes replacing him with Rossi would be a great move.

He said: “It was sad news to hear that Ben is not continuing. Now I hear some rumours that Valentino is going to come, which would be a good thing for Yamaha.”