Rossi: Shoulder costs me half a second

Although the former champion was in the midfield throughout the test, he said his physical situation had been his priority in Malaysia, rather than pure speed.

"I'm very happy because before coming here, I expected to do 20, 30 laps per day, and as it turns out, I did around 40 each of the first two days and over 50 [on the final day]," said Rossi.

"Of course I was really finished by the end, in part because the rest of my body has to work differently; my left arm has to do extra work, so it's very tired.

"But I'm really happy with my shoulder because it's improving day-by-day, and even after the stress of having ridden a MotoGP bike at the limit, I don't have any problems: now it's just a question of strength.

"My mobility has improved a lot, and I no longer think my physical limitations cost me a second; let's say I lose five or six tenths, especially on braking and in corner entry."

Rossi said his adjustment to the Ducati was still a work in progress, but felt he was on target.

"Obviously, there's still a lot to do, but compared to the start of the test, we've definitely got closer to the base set-up we're looking for," he said.

"There's no need to change the Desmosedici's character; we need to take advantage of its best characteristics - its stability and its engine - and improve the other areas, especially the in-corner behaviour, to make it turn better.

"In any case, the overall evaluation of the test is definitely good; today we're a second off the top riders, and also in the afternoon, riding with race tyres, the distance stayed around seven or eight tenths.

"I still have to do more kilometres in order to understand other aspects of the GP11 but, although I have to change my riding style a little, I now feel much more at home with the Ducati."