Although at home off-road, Cairoli also occasionally rides a road bike and spent considerable time on an R6 at Misano during the annual Italian Yamaha Fest - but nothing could prepare him for the M1's 200+ horsepower.

"I was more then a little anxious, also because Valentino's bike has the opposite gear change to what I, and normal road riders are used to," said Toni. "What impressed me most was the fearsome acceleration, which frankly speaking is the only real sensation you can get when you have limited riding skills on a bike like this.

"I was allowed to do just five laps, but I enjoyed it so much I requested and got another five! In fact I consider putting another M1 test in my next Yamaha contract! No, but seriously, my future is not in road racing, I enjoy motocross too much, especially the physical aspects of it," he added.

Wisely Cairoli made no attempts to break the MotoGP lap record and rode a safe 20 seconds slower than the circuit's fastest time.