De Angelis and Nakano at home at Gresini

The 24-year-old San Marino rider claims to already feel at home alongside MotoGP regular Shinya Nakano and has recorded some commendable times in pre-season testing while acclimatising himself to the 800cc discipline.

"I'm aware that I still have to gather a lot of experience but we're going there strong because all of the tests, not just the one at Losail, have gone well," he said.

"In the last test I did a really good race simulation, with a best time of 1:56.8 on the 21st lap, which shows that the tyres were still in perfect condition."

De Angelis, a race winner in the 250cc class, admitted to being apprehensive about stepping up to MotoGP level but added that he had been pleasantly surprised by how quickly he has adapted.

"When I did my first MotoGP test there were so many question marks, I didn't know if I would be fast enough or how long it might take me to get up to speed, but everything has run smoothly from the first few laps and that has created a calm atmosphere in the box," he said.

"The team already feels like a family because most of the guys are my compatriots. Obviously our target is results but there isn't a lot of pressure on me and I'm continually being told to ride to enjoy myself. If that's the goal then we've met it already!"

Nakano, who has switched to Gresini after a disappointing year on the Konica Minolta Honda, also says he is much happier in his new surroundings. The 30-year-old former Kawasaki team leader is confident that a move to a team with a proven winning record with Honda can revive his career momentum.

"I'm really enjoying working with the team - the mechanics work really hard, all the staff are very professional and my chief mechanic Antonio Jimenez is giving me a lot of confidence," he said.

"Fausto Gresini told me that his team is like a family and he's invited me to move to Italy. I've gladly accepted because this way I can spend more time with the team and improve communication within the garage.

"I am continually getting more and more confidence with the bike and the Bridgestone tyres, which I have great memories of, having used them in the past. I can't wait to get started."