Ducati not expecting easy race in China

The back straight on the Chinese circuit is one of the longest on the MotoGP calendar, but Ducati team boss Livio Suppo believes that the track will require a package that is strong in all areas.

"We now go to a circuit where, in theory, we should be very competitive," he said. "A lot of people say Shanghai will be easy because it features two long straights but I don't think it will be easy."

Casey Stoner demonstrated the performance of the 800cc Ducati's engine in the opening race at Qatar, where he was able to ride away from Valentino Rossi's Yamaha on the main straight.

However, Suppo feels that the Italian have proved that their bikes are strong in other areas too.

"Top speed isn't everything and during the first three races we have proved that our bike is very fast around the whole racetrack, not just the end of the straights," he said.

World championship leader Stoner added that he thinks the team will be strong next weekend, although not purely because of their power.

"You don't only need horsepower at Shanghai," he said. "You also need good braking performance.

"I remember last year that the Ducatis were very hard to beat into the hairpin, and I think the track will be very good for the bike."

Stoner has won two of the first three races of the year, but the Australian said that he is not getting complacent.

"Everyone in the team is doing a great job but we're still a long way from home as far as the season goes," he said