Kallio expects to maintain form in race

The Finnish 250cc graduate was as high as fourth early in today's televised session, and ended up an impressive sixth.

The team was heavily reorganised in the middle of last year, with the departure of long-time team manager Luis D'Antin, and Campinoti believes the outfit is now significantly stronger.

"What to say? It seems like we have started the season well," he said. "We have renovated our structure and things are turning in the right direction for us. We are really satisfied.

"After the results of this test it seems like we will be able to be amongst the protagonists during this season."

Kallio is also confident of maintaining his strong form in the races.

"Together with my technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, we have put together all the positive things we found and we had an almost perfect bike," he said.

"I still lose too much time in the last sector otherwise we could have finished in an even better position. We are doing great work and I believe we can keep up the good work also in the first race in Qatar."

But while Kallio was delighted, his team-mate Niccolo Canepa continued to struggle for pace and was only 18th, 1.4 seconds slower.

"Niccolo has found too many difficulties," said Campinoti. "He has to stay calm, we know his true value and we will do everything possible to put him in the best situation to perform at his best."

Former factory Ducati test rider Canepa vowed not to become downcast about his poor winter form.

"I hope in Qatar things will go better," he said. "I can guarantee I will keep my morale high and never give up."