Three-time 500cc world champion Wayne Rainey has expressed his belief that Jorge Lorenzo will be "more consistent" this season after relinquishing the fight against eventual MotoGP champion Marc Marquez.

Lorenzo came close to beating Marquez to the title in 2013 after finishing four points behind him, but a poor start to last year's campaign hampered his chances of glory.

"My feeling is that he knows that this year he must focus on Marquez," Rainey told the club's official MotoGP website. "I think we will see a different Lorenzo this year. I think he will be more consistent and his mind should be more ready for the battle. This comes with age."

At 21, Marquez is the youngest competitor in the premier class division.