Lorenzo claims Rossi doesn’t feel same benefit of winglets

Winglets became the main talking point on Friday at Jerez as Suzuki and Aprilia both trialled their own version of the devices pioneered by Ducati during free practice.

Rossi has previously said he is no fan of the trend – describing the wings as “ugly” – and has run with them less frequently than Lorenzo so far in 2016.

Suzuki’s Aleix Espargaro was a notable critic of Yamaha’s enlarged winglets at Jerez, saying they could be "dangerous", but Lorenzo said he could feel the benefits of the appendages.

“This year they are a little bit bigger, in a different position from last year,” said the reigning champion.

“They don’t make such a big difference, obviously they give you a little bit less wheelie on the exit of the corners. But on the negative side you have less speed on the straight.

“We have to analyse every situation if we can ride with it or without it. For the moment I prefer, but let’s see what happens in the future.

“I feel some benefits that, for example, my teammate is not feeling.”

Rossi would prefer no winglets

Speaking afterwards, Rossi said he had felt some benefit using winglets, which he tried during FP2 having run without them in opening practice.

“This morning I try without, the afternoon I try with, and for this reason I will continue with the wings that give us more help,” said Rossi.

MotoGP organisers are set to meet with the teams and riders on Saturday to discuss the future of winglets in the sport, following calls from some quarters that they should be outlawed.

“I know all the manufacturers try to speak to decide whether to continue with the wings or not,” added Rossi. “I’m open to everything.

“But sincerely speaking, it’s better for me that we don’t have the wings.”

Additional reporting by Oriol Puigdemont and German Garcia Casanova