Image: Supplied.

Multi-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo says his 16th place result at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is a reality, the Repsol Honda rider recording his worst performance since returning from injury at Assen.

The Spaniard anticipated a difficult weekend in Australia, admitting he struggled to come to grips with the high winds from the opening practice session on Friday, which set the tone for the weekend.

Qualifying in a lowly P19, Lorenzo struggled to progress through the field to finish in 16th, benefiting by one position following Maverick Vinales’ (Monster Energy Yamaha) crash in the dying moments of the 27-lap encounter.

“I expected before we arrived that I would struggle here but you’re always hopeful that things will change and you’re able to be fast,” Lorenzo explained. “From FP1 we struggled in the wind and the cold. It’s the worst result since returning from the Assen injury, unfortunately this is reality.

“Malaysia in normal conditions will be better, it’s a track that suits me more and I think we can return to a pace similar to what we had in Motegi.”

Lorenzo is currently ranked 19th in the MotoGP World Championship standings with 23 points to his name.