Vinales is "hungrier" than Marquez, says Lorenzo

Yamaha rider Vinales has been the sensation of pre-season testing so far, topping both the Sepang and Phillip Island tests and lapping some way ahead of teammate Valentino Rossi.

Commenting on the situation in an interview with Spanish radio show El Larguero, Ducati rider Lorenzo likened Vinales to Marquez, and said the fact the former has yet to win a championship makes him more driven.

The rivalry between the pair started to simmer at Phillip Island when Vinales hit out at Marquez for following him on a long run, causing him to abandon it.

"Maverick will be champion sooner or later," Lorenzo said. "He's another rider like Marquez.

"I see another Marquez, unfortunately also for other riders. He is even hungrier, because he has not been champion yet.

"Their speeds seem similar, they are Sunday riders and are also great at braking.

"I see them as very similar in every way. Maverick is a hungry rider with amazing speed."

On his own prospects for 2017, Lorenzo has admitted that a title challenge is unlikely after a challenging second test at Phillip Island, where he was eighth fastest, nearly eight tenths adrift of pacesetter Vinales.

"Maverick feels very hungry and Marquez is always there," said the three-time champion. "Depending on the track, we can aspire to victory.

"We still don’t have a bike to fight for the title, unless things change a lot or if we are very lucky."