Pasini thrilled after Ducati test

The Italian, who had already ridden the Ducati GP9 earlier this year when he tested for the Pramac team, enjoyed a positive test despite two falls.

Pasini began to test different set-ups in order to adapt the bike to his riding style.

Pasini's best time of 1m51.9s was around eight tenths slower than the fastest lap during the Italian Grand Prix earlier this year.

"It was really a great and positive experience and I think I could have recorded a faster personal best," said Pasini. "Unfortunately I fell this morning at the 'Correntaio', having made a strong start to the day with a good feeling due to the changes we had made towards the end of yesterday's session.

"The changes made a difference as today I immediately went a second faster in the first exit. I didn't injure myself too badly but hurt my neck which perhaps affected my riding; I think that otherwise I would have been able to drop another second before the end of the day.

"Anyway, I repeat that it has been a fantastic experience and I thank Ducati and the team who have looked after me during these three days. We will see each other again at Estoril next week."

Ducati technical chief Filippo Preziosi praised Pasini's performance during the test.

"During this test I was able to personally verify that Mattia is capable of riding a MotoGP bike despite the difficulties", said Preziosi. "This is possible only thanks to his unnatural talent and extraordinary determination.

"Today we have learned a lesson that goes deeper than the, albeit interesting, technical data that we've collected thanks to Mattia's comments. I am certain that we'll remember this test for a long time to come."