Lorenzo warns his relationship with Rossi could sour

The pair famously fell out during their first stint as teammates at Yamaha from 2008-2010, during which time a wall was erected in the middle of the team’s pit garage to keep the duo separated.

Rossi’s subsequent departure to the struggling Ducati squad meant relations with Lorenzo mellowed, a state of affairs that has not so far been altered by the Italian’s return to title-contending form this season.

But Lorenzo warned that as the battle for the championship progresses, any on-track controversies with Rossi in the remaining seven races of the season could turn back the clock.

“Many years have passed [since we fell out] and now our relationship is good, and we work together to have the best bike possible,” said the Spaniard.

“But now we fight for a very important [prize], and for sure, if on track there are some stressful actions, or little collisions or something, the relationship can change.”

Silverstone form no guarantee of victory

Lorenzo was won three of a possible five times at Silverstone since it returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2010, but warned his past success at the British track and his momentum in the title race are no guarantees of success this weekend.

“The fact that I recover the points doesn’t mean I will outscore Valentino in the next races,” he cautioned.

“Every race is different, every year is different, and the fact I won here three times doesn’t mean it will be the same as before.

“We have to work from the first practice, and feel good – if not, it’s always more complicated.”