Melandri surprised by Ducati team

The 25-year-old, who will partner 2007 world champion Casey Stoner at the team next year, spent his first day working with the team at Valencia on Tuesday, and he was very happy with the way things started.

"I'm very pleased with my first day at Ducati," he said. "The thing that has impressed me the most is the way the team works.

"I'm not used to so many people asking so many questions and listening to me every time I ride into the pit. They make me feel appreciated and I am very happy to be here."

Melandri spent the first day of the test trying to get used to the Italian bike, and he finished the day two seconds adrift of Stoner's best time.

"I had my first ride on the bike with the aim of understanding as much as possible," he added. "It has been a very pleasant experience.

"We have a lot of work to do, but I'm very motivated and ready to do what is necessary to exploit this bike's great potential."

Melandri raced for the satellite Gresini Honda team for the past three years, winning five races during that time.