Gibernau returns to MotoGP action

The Spaniard, who retired from racing at the end of 2006, tested the new Desmosedici GP9 bike, although his session came to an end when the track was hit by rain.

Gibernau completed 20 laps with a best time of 1:53.7.

Test rider Vittoriano Guareschi was also on track, but Ducati did not issue any times from the Italian.

"It has been a really exciting day," said Gibernau. "It's like jumping back in time almost two years - as if the months that have gone by since the last time I was on track never even existed.

"Racing motorcycles was my whole life for so many years and now I've rediscovered that feeling I feel really good, like I'm home again.

"The instinct for riding came back straight away, even though I obviously need to get back into the habit of going fast. I've realised how tiring it is to grab the brakes and move the bike around where I want it but I'm sure that's just the rust from not riding for so long.

"I managed twenty laps on the GP9 before it started to rain and the feeling was good. It is a Ducati in every way - precise but demanding, it requires a physical riding style and it instantly reminded me of the GP7 I tested at Motegi towards the end of 2006.

"As well as getting my confidence to ride back, today we did a little bit of work on the electronics, in particular the engine braking, because I prefer a different calibration to Vittoriano. I want to say a huge 'thank you' to Ducati for this wonderful gift.

"For now I'm just going to enjoy the next two days of testing, hope it doesn't rain, and then we'll decide together whether there'll be another opportunity to ride their bike."