Capirossi happy with new engine

The Italian has not enjoyed the same sort of success as teammate Casey Stoner so far this season, but he is looking forward to continuing the development on the new engine this weekend in Spain.

"I hope we will have good weather that will allow us to continue the work we did on our new engine spec at Mugello," he said.

"The new spec works well for me - it gives more linear power delivery which is better for my riding style.

"I use more lean angle than other riders through the corners, so I need a more gentle feeling from the engine when I begin the use the throttle out of the turns."

Ducati's technical director Filippo Preziosi agrees that the new engine still needs some development, but he added that the manufacturer must not forget about developing the frame of the bike as well.

"The engine designed for Capirossi needs to be evolved," he was quoted as saying by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Neither Casey Stoner nor Alex Barros have problems from that point of view, we must rather concentrate on the frame set-up. We know the bike has some limits."

However, the team have been eager to point out that they are not panicking after a tougher weekend in Italy.

World championship leader Stoner said: "We've been doing a very good job this season, so now we go into every race a little bit more relaxed, and whatever happens, happens.

Preziosi added: "The bike doesn't need to be revolutionised, but if we can try something, it's our duty to do it. We'll need a few races to do that."