Ducati morale high following testing - Filippo Preziosi

The team has endured several tough years since its last victory with Casey Stoner in the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, and its two-year partnership with Italian superstar Valentino Rossi brought scant success.

But after working with Rossi's replacement Andrea Dovizioso and seeing team-mate Nicky Hayden try a revised frame in the post-season Valencia test, Preziosi said morale at Ducati entering the winter was good.

"Nicky had a reasonable gap to the front, and Dovi did his best lap times with a tyre that had some laps on it," said Preziosi.

"Nicky liked the new frame, which seemed to improve turning, but we have to try it again at Jerez.

"Considering the circumstances, we got some good information, and the mood is very positive.

"I'm pleased with the way the team is working, and I'm optimistic for the future."

Hayden ended the test fourth, 0.6 seconds slower than pacesetter Dani Pedrosa's Honda, while Dovizioso was just under 0.3s back in sixth.

"It wasn't the occasion to try lots of changes, so we weren't able to set the bike up perfectly," said the Italian.

"Still, the laptime is quite good, and so is the feeling.

"Of course it's always a big change to switch bikes, and it takes time to understand."