Gibernau wraps up Mugello test for Ducati

The Spanish rider, who has been linked with the Ducati ride if Marco Melandri leaves the team, worked with both this year's GP8 and next year's GP9 for a back-to-back comparison.

The 35-year-old completed runs of four or five laps each and, according to the team, "demonstrated a high level of physical fitness."

His fastest lap, set on a race tyres, was a 1:50.5 on board the GP8, just four tenths off this year's race record, set by Casey Stoner.

"I want to thank not only Ducati but also all the guys that have supported me here," said Gibernau.

"Some of them worked with me in 2006 and it was great to find ourselves together again. I've really enjoyed myself today and have had a completely new experience as a rider.

"The faster you go, the more obvious it becomes that this bike demands a real physical and mental effort, but when you manage to ride it well, the satisfaction is unique. I hope my work has been of use to Filippo (Preziosi), to help understand the differences between the GP8 and GP9.

"They are two machines with characteristics typical of Ducati, and the GP9, although new, shows great potential."