Jorge Lorenzo admitted that he had hoped he would be in better physical condition after struggling in free practice at the Sachsenring. The Yamaha rider suffered foot and shoulder injuries in a fierce crash during qualifying at Laguna Seca two weeks ago. He managed to finish third in the race and hoped he would be closer to full fitness by the time he got to Germany, but he was frustrated after only taking 11th today.

"I am not at 100 percent and in fact my injuries don't feel as good as I had hoped on the bike, which is disappointing," Lorenzo said. "I have decided for the first time to use the leathers with the airbag and I want to say that I feel much more safe.

"This isn't the best track for me, the slow corners don't really suit my style and when I am not at full fitness it makes it more difficult, but today was OK considering the conditions."

Lorenzo said he had not had chance to go for an ultimate lap time during the session, so hopes to be faster on Saturday.

"During the early part when it was wet I was reminding myself of the track, and then when it was dry later on I didn't really have enough time to go fast because we had some things to check on the setting," he said. "But there are 12 riders all very close together – within seven tenths of a second – and I am not worried because it was a strange day and not one for making conclusions. The forecast tomorrow looks similar tomorrow but let's hope it is wrong."