But there were reasons to be positive. Sure, those virtues of time and patience that saw him weather some of 2017’s darker moments will not be as evident this year, but Lorenzo has no doubt the potential is there. “It’s just a matter of understanding the best setting and combination for my riding,” he said after the final night of testing in Qatar, where he emerged with the tenth fastest time. “When it happens I will be fighting for the top, fighting for good results and fighting for victories.” No question, race winning potential is there. But understanding whether he can carry his current package toward a championship challenge will be one of 2018’s most intriguing subplots. If he can, a place among the sport’s pantheon of greats awaits.