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Entering his second season at the factory Ducati squad after his big-money move from Yamaha, the pressure will be cranked up a little for results from the five-time world champion after a so-so 2017.

Lorenzo was thoroughly outperformed by Andrea Dovizioso last year, which few predicted before the start of the season, and just three rostrum finishes all year marked a poor return against his title-contending team-mate.

Having spent almost a decade with Yamaha in MotoGP, many feel Lorenzo deserves patience to adapt to his new surroundings and five world titles is unwavering proof of the Spaniard’s qualities when all elements come together.

However, if 2018 follows a similar pattern to the previous campaign Ducati might be asking where its value for money is coming from.