MotoGP, Ciabatti: Lorenzo was smiling as he got off the Ducati

Jorge Lorenzo is obliged to keep his mouth shut, for contractual reasons he's unable to talk about the Ducati until next year. Speaking on his behalf was the stopwatch - he's third, 0”122 from the front - and his face.

This impression has been confirmed by Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti: “I can't say too much but it's been a positive day, making a good start wasn't a given. Jorge, after his first four laps with the Desmosedici this morning was smiling as he got off the bike, and the same applied this evening”.

He also had an important ally in the garage, in the shape of Stoner.

“Casey is a top-level rider and knows our bike well, having ridden it several times this year  - explains the Italian manager - Stoner and Lorenzo respect each other, their sharing of opinions is useful".

Today the Majorcan only rode the GP16, except for one lap with the new bike at the end of the day to check everything was OK.

“The first day is spent measuring things up, also from an ergonomic standpoint - continues Ciabatti - Tomorrow's schedule will see Jorge test the 2017 Desmosedici, and the winglets will still be in place”.

This will be one of the last times the red bike will be seen with its aerodynamic appendages. Dovizioso has already tried the bike without, and claims that it is less safe in that the front becomes lighter in acceleration.

“Without wings the bike is less safe and more expensive” sums up the sporting director, referring to the resources needed to design the new fairings.