Melandri says Stoner is number one rider

Melandri admits he is still finding his way with the characteristics of Ducati's bike and, with Stoner so dominant last year, he is preparing himself for a lot of work to try and close down the Australian.

"Seeing Casey going so quick, I know that with exactly the same bike it's possible to be that quick, because if he can do it - and he has two legs and two arms - then I should be able to as well," said Melandri during Ducati's Wrooom press meeting in Italy.

"It won't be easy, because he's performing incredibly at the moment, as he demonstrated this past year. But we'll see: we have to begin working calmly.

"I don't think there's ever been a number one and a number two in Ducati, although this year it's safe to assume that Casey will be the number one since he dominated in 2007, but I have nothing to lose.

"I have to do my best, to try to make the most of this opportunity of expressing my thoughts on the bike I ride, to try to ride in an easy manner and to have fun. I think the results will be coming through by themselves then."

Melandri explained that his comments about Stoner being number one did not mean that he had to give way to the Australian.

"No, I'm new, I just came here. It would be stupid to get to a new team where there's already the world champion, and to believe you are the number one," explained Melandri.

"However, I don't think there's the slightest difference in treatment between the riders on Ducati's part. This is the fundamental thing. I know I will have to learn, to improve, but also to try to understand and learn where Casey is better than me.

"I'm free, there are no team hierarchies where one has to win and the other has to finish behind, absolutely not."

Melandri says he is hoping modifications to the Ducati bike in January's tests will help him get more comfortable on the machine.

"My riding style and the way I open the gas is different from Casey and is different from Loris," he said. "The bike was certainly developed around their needs. By opening the gas differently I probably have different needs regarding engine torque characteristics.

"So now we must try to improve by working on a different traction control and on other areas. But in January we'll get some developments to try a smoother power supply, so I think this will be a step forward for me."

Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble