Stoner aims to emulate Dutch performance

The world champion, who dominated the British Grand Prix at Donington last weekend, is confident of another podium finish in Holland.

"I still like the track [despite the alterations] and last year we found a good set-up for the bike, so I hope it's the same this year and that we can fight for the podium again," he said. "The team are working really hard and now we've got a base setting that we're a lot happier with.

"I really hope that all this hard work also bears fruit at this circuit."

Ducati's MotoGP project director Livio Suppo has been just as buoyed by the Italian team's recent success.

"We can't wait to see Casey back in action at Assen, a track he went well at last year and where he arrives this year in frighteningly good form," said Suppo.

"We hope that he feels as comfortable with the new setting as he did at Donington and that he can fight for the victory again."