De Puniet buoyed by strong test form

The LCR Honda rider was third fastest on both Thursday and Friday evenings.

"My feeling is very good. It's better than yesterday," de Puniet told the official MotoGP website during last night's test.

"I did a good lap time because I improved by half a second compared to my best lap time yesterday on the race tyre."

De Puniet was particularly encouraged by his speed relative to world champion Casey Stoner, who topped Thursday's session and was fifth yesterday.

"I'm very happy because the gap with Casey was only half a second on yesterday's times and today I think he was doing the same times as me," de Puniet said.

The Frenchman has moved to Michelin tyres this season, having run Bridgestones with Kawasaki last year, and believes the the new tyres suit him well.

"Michelin did a very good job since the end of the year," de Puniet said.

"I'm very happy because at Jerez I found a very good tyre for my riding style.

"I think we are ready. I'm quite confident and I feel comfortable with the bike."

LCR Honda had a poor season with Carlos Checa last year, while de Puniet took his maiden podium at Motegi but also lost several good results due to accidents.