Stoner: Ducati in better shape than '07

After demoralising the opposition by setting a time more than 1.3 seconds clear of everyone else in Sunday's special qualifying session at Jerez in Spain, Stoner is predicting even better things for the season ahead.

Last year, it was his crushing form in the first half of the season that helped fire him on his way to a maiden MotoGP crown.

"For sure we are in a better position at the beginning of the season going into 2008 than we were last year," he told Italian broadcaster Italia1. "Last year we were with a new manufacture of tyres, and it took some time to get used to it. We started the season very strong last year and this year we should be in a better position.

"We have a lot more time on the bike and, for sure, I am looking forward to getting to the (first) race. We have enough testing and it is better when we get to the race track."

Stoner was obviously delighted with his performance at Jerez, which helped secure him the prize of a BMW Z4 M roadster.

"We found quite a good wet setting this morning," he said. "So we started to run a little bit the harder tyre because there was not so much water on the track.

"I was very happy with the way the bike was working - and in a small amount of laps (being able to) take the fastest lap. I am pretty happy with everything and in 40 minutes it is not so bad to (do) this."