Jorge Lorenzo has high expectations for the 2014 MotoGP season, but first needs to start shedding excess kilos piled on over the winter.
The Spaniard, who was world champion in the elite motorcycling category in 2010 and 2012, missed out on a third title in 2013 by just four points to rookie Marc Marquez.
It was also a season overshadowed by two serious collarbone injuries which dented his body as well as his hopes.
“This winter I had an operation to take out the metal plates in my shoulder so I’m a bit lighter but I’m also a bit fatter after Christmas,” admitted Lorenzo at the team’s 2014 launch in a Jakarta showroom.
“I am training hard to lose some kilos and I will try to start the season well like last year and be straight onto the podium. This will be important to get points and gain confidence to keep going through the season.”
Lorenzo was also forced to deny that 2014 will be his last year at Yamaha with Ducati rumoured to be keen on his signature for 2015.
“When you are fast and winning races all the big factories want you, this is normal,” he admitted.
“I have to clarify that there is no truth in the rumours that there is a contract with another manufacturer and I would like to start negotiating as soon as possible for my future with Yamaha.
“My dream is to retire after my career as a Yamaha rider. If our bike is even better this year then it will be easier.”
His teammate Valentino Rossi, who won the last of his six MotoGP titles in 2009, was fourth in 2013.
But the Italian is adamant that Yamaha can take him to another crown despite his sometimes tense relationship with Lorenzo.
“The expectations for the coming season are very high,” said Rossi.
“My target is to try and do better than last year, be more competitive and fight for the podium every weekend. I am sure our bike will be very competitive again.”
The new MotoGP season gets underway in Qatar on March 23.