Unveiled four days ago as the new star of the Italian marque, Lorenzo will travel to Sepang in the coming days ready to take part in the first official pre-season test, which begins on January 30.

Two weeks later he will be on the Desmosedici again, this time at Phillip Island, before he wraps up the winter tests in Qatar a few days before the start of the season at the Losail circuit on March 26.

"I signed with Ducati to finish my career here, although you never know what's going to happen in life, let alone in racing," Lorenzo told Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

"But my intention is to retire as a Ducatista and, if possible, as a legend."

Although he finds it hard to admit openly, sharing a garage with Valentino Rossi was very hard for him over the past two years, something that helped him decide to change teams.

Lorenzo, however, insists in separating one thing from the other.

"Staying at Yamaha was a very good option, both from a financial point of view as well as the package the team and the bike form," added Lorenzo. "But I chose Ducati.

"I understand the importance Rossi has for Yamaha, for everything he has given to them, for his victories, his titles, and the relevance a character like him has on marketing.

"It's normal for a manufacturer like Yamaha to focus on him.

"But they always gave me the same technical level. Every time we re-signed, Yamaha and especially [team boss] Lin Jarvis acknowledged my value."

Lorenzo wrapped up his nine years as a Yamaha rider in the best possible way, with a win in the 2016 finale at Valencia. and a handshake with Rossi.

"Someone suggested it, but it was a good idea," Lorenzo said of the gesture.

"It's very difficult to have a good relationship with your teammate, because he's your main rival.

"If he beats you, there are no excuses. But in the end it's good [to shake hands] because it helps you understand that he is someone like you, who has feelings like you."