Despite missing the first Sepang winter test, held in November, Stoner marched steadily towards the top.

The #1 was fifth fastest (+1sec) on day one, maintained that position - but halved the time deficit to 0.5secs - on day two, then concluded his programme in style by setting the fastest race tyre lap of the test and second fastest qualifying tyre lap, 0.334secs behind Nicky Hayden, during the final day.

"We couldn't have started the year better!" smiled Casey. "My shoulder feels better every day and now I know I can get back to full training. This morning we tried some qualifying tyres on only our second run out. We set a good lap time although I think if we'd have tried them a little later, when the track was warmer, we could have broken the two-minute mark. In fact, at the end of the morning we set a 2min 0.964 on race tyres, which is over a second inside the lap record we set in September.

"It shows that we are working well and that both the bike and tyres are improving. I'm leaving Sepang feeling really happy - partly because my shoulder hasn't given me too many problems and partly because I feel even more competitive than last season," he warned. "Now we have to focus on this season and on getting the best possible start, so I can't wait to continue testing at Phillip Island."

Stoner also had time to send his best wishes to former 250GP rival Dani Pedrosa, who fractured his hand on day one of the test.

"I also want to send my best wishes to Dani!" said Stoner. "I'm sure this injury won't affect him too much. Back in 2006 I missed most of the winter tests and I still started the season competitive so I'm sure he will too because he was looking really strong out here."

Meanwhile, Stoner's new team-mate Marco Melandri again had a more 'complicated' test, the Italian - just 18th and 16th on the first two days - made an encouraging start to the final day, but some subsequent experiments sent him in the wrong direction.

The former Honda rider finished the third day of the test 13th and 2.6secs from the top, although his best time was set with a race tyre.

"This morning we started out on the right foot and my lap times weren't bad. Then we decided to experiment with a few new avenues to try and improve my feeling but we got a bit lost!" confessed the former MotoGP World Championship runner-up. "It's a shame but at least I'm getting to understand the bike and the way the team works more and more each day.

"I feel really comfortable with my chief engineer and I'm sure that we'll find the solutions to the problems we're having right now. I didn't use a qualifier because if you're not ready for them there's no point," he explained. "I did try a new race tyre though and in my opinion it's a good step forward. I can't say I'm happy but we'll keep working to find the best way forward for me."

The Ducati Marlboro Team now heads to Phillip Island, Australia, for another three days of testing from January 30 to February 1.