Guintoli given all-clear for Qatar

The Frenchman injured his arm in the accident and, although not back to full fitness, is thankful that he will not miss the first race of the year.

"I don't know just yet if I will be at my best, but I don't want to begin the season by missing the first Grand Prix," said the Alice Team rider. "Moreover, we are racing at night and I don't think this is an occasion to miss out on."

With teammate Toni Elias confident that he and the outfit are on the right course for some impressive results this year, team principal Luis d'Antin is optimistic about the prospects for the Ducati satellite squad.

"The moment has arrived: in a few days we will know at what point we really are," he said. "We are only sorry that Sylvain will probably not be at his best after the fall during the last day of tests.

"Both our riders have done a great job during the winter testing, as the pair had to adapt to a completely new bike compared to the past. Sylvain also had to get accustomed to the qualities of Bridgestone tyres.

"This is one of the seasons in which I feel more excited, due to the good results we had last year and thanks to the support that has arrived with the new title sponsor, Alice of Telecom Italia."