Lorenzo and Marquez present equal threat

Rossi arrives at Le Mans for this weekend’s fifth round with a 15 point advantage in the title race, having won twice and finished on the podium at each race so far, while Lorenzo and Marquez are third and fourth in the standings having won a race apiece.

When asked who would prove his biggest championship rival of the pair, Rossi said that he couldn’t choose between the two Spaniards following Lorenzo’s return to form at Jerez.

“It will always be very hard [to fight] with Jorge and Marc,” said the Italian during Thursday’s press conference at Le Mans.

“Looking at last year, it was more difficult with Marc, but Jorge has also made some great races, so for me they are now the same.

“I just try to concentrate on being fast, and continuing like this.”

Rossi added that there were other riders capable of being in the leading group that shouldn’t be discounted, including Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso, his closest current challenger in the points.

“I think we are all together, the riders that can fight for the championship this year. If Dani [Pedrosa] is back, he can be competitive.

“Iannone had a problem in the test with his shoulder, so for the next few races he will have some pain, but ‘Dovi’ is always fast.”