Ducati say early GP9 test was vital

The new machine had its first public outing in a post-race test at Barcelona on Monday, when Casey Stoner, as well as test riders Vittoriano Guareschi and Niccolo Canepa, got his first taste of the 2009 bike.

The GP9 has a carbon fibre chassis, which represents a move away from the regular twin spar frame used by the Japanese manufacturers.

Preziosi, however, downplayed the fact that they had used carbon fibre for the chassis, as he reckons the most important part is the shape, not the material.

The Italian also said that, despite the obvious changes, the GP9 is an evolution of previous bikes.

"We took the decision to allow the factory riders to test the GP9 because it would have been more difficult at a later stage of development and eventually we'd have had to go backwards in certain areas," said Preziosi.

"There are some things that are possible to analyse with data such as in the engine or the cycle part but other areas where it is absolutely essential to have the riders' opinions.

"So it was important to get their feedback to understand if the choices we've made have been the right ones and to get their suggestions. Some changes we've made to the cycle part could seem more revolutionary than others but in reality we continue to evolve the initial concept that we designed with the GP3.

"So it's not a change in the direction of development, but another step forward in the same direction. With the 990 the seat supports and the footpegs were attached to the frame. With the 800 they are both completely separate and on the GP9 the front part is even more dedicated to support and the dimensions become more limited.

"The fact we've used carbon fibre in the production of the chassis is not the most relevant point, it is more the shape that is different from before. Casey's first impressions have been positive."

Stoner's teammate Marco Melandri is scheduled to test the new bike today.