I think in the eyes of some people I have gained a bit more respect. I went from a very comfortable situation to a more difficult challenge. I feel that most of the ‘Ducatisti’ now support me a little bit more – maybe not everyone, and that is normal – but in general I feel there is a bit more respect. I think jumping out of my comfort zone is something that not that many people would be willing to do.

You received a lot of attention in the first test in Spain. What was that like?

There was a lot of curiosity to see what I was capable of with the bike. I heard some voices saying ‘Lorenzo is going to win from the beginning’ and ‘he’ll destroy them’ and some others saying ‘it will be a disaster’. Neither one nor the other turned out to be true. I think it will be quite a long process. Sometimes we will be competitive and sometimes we will struggle.

How about handling the public?

Sometimes you have you to contain yourself. Some people can be a little less respectful but everyone has a different education and way to interact with the world. It is the only time that a fan or someone will see you – this is the theory – so it is difficult because your nature is to respond in the same way you are being contacted.