SEPANG: Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo has vowed to work with his former rival, Italy’s nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, who has rejoined the Yamaha MotoGP team for the 2013 season.

The pair had a bitter relationship when Lorenzo joined Yamaha in 2008. Rossi, who won four world championships with Yamaha, left to join the Italian team Ducati in 2010 but endured two frustrating seasons.

“It’s better to work together than to go separately. We are in the same team,” Lorenzo told reporters at the sidelines of the pre-season MotoGP testing at the Sepang circuit.

“Yes, probably something has changed,” when asked if this time around the relationship will be different.

“I hope so. I think he hopes so. You can share information. You can speak about the new improvements (that is needed). We must pass some notes. Together is better,” added the reigning champion, who also won in 2010.

Lorenzo is eyeing another successful MotoGP season but expects a tough challenge from Honda’s Dani Pedrosa and Rossi.

Rossi finished just twice on the podium for Ducati. The Italian’s 2011 campaign went without winning a single race, the first time that happened in his Grand Prix career.

It was the Honda and Yamaha teams that continued to top the timesheet although the gap to the rest of the field was narrowing yesterday.

• Please wait.

• America's Cup makes changes to improve safety following death
• Wasps wing Wade scoops award double
• Only Nicol David left to fly Malaysian flag
• Youngster Rahul getting to terms with racing in Formula 4
• Dane Jorgensen’s wish is to avoid Chinese ace Lin Dan in World Championships
• Jazeman ready to lap it up in his first run at Monaco
• Jindapon aims to qualify for 2016 Olympics
• Kelly heads into final round with one-stroke lead
• Squash group on final push for Olympic bid
• Chinese long jumper Jinzhe claims another Olympic scalp