Conditions hinder Ducati's progress

Both Ducatis were in the top seven on day one, and although Stoner was able to go fifth fastest on Wednesday, Capirossi was down in 12th.

"Today was really tough because the track conditions after yesterday's rain were a big problem," said Capirossi.

"We didn't have any feeling with the front end and did everything possible to improve the situation but we lost our way a little bit."

Capirossi believes that the team did make progress towards the end of the day, but he is hoping that there is no repeat of the overnight rain ahead of the final day of testing.

"In the end we managed to improve without even getting the right feeling in the bike," he added. "I hope it won't rain tonight because tomorrow we want to carry on from where we left off."

Stoner was pleased with a day which he described as "hard work", and the Australian was even relaxed about a crash he had towards the end of the day.

"Everyone says I crash too much, so just to make them happy I had my first crash on a Ducati," he said.

"It was just a small one however, I lost the rear under acceleration and ended up on the grass on the inside of the corner.

"I wasn't hurt and I didn't damage the bike so I suppose it was ok."