Following his impressive debut for Pramac d'Antin MotoGP, on a 990cc Ducati with Bridgestone tyres at the Valencia test, Alex Barros has been further boosted by the news that he will make his 800cc debut later this month.

The Brazilian MotoGP veteran, who spent the 2006 season in WSBK, was expected to get his first taste of the new 2007-spec 800cc race bike on January 22 at Sepang. However, he will now ride the Desmosedici GP7, on Bridgestone tyres, for the first time at Jerez from November 28-30 - just before the winter test ban begins.

"I am very happy because I will ride the Ducati GP7 800cc before our next scheduled test, which will be in January at Sepang," confirmed Barros. "We can begin to work on the general set-up of the race bike, and to further develop the bike without any delay, compared to some of the other teams. I am feeling very good with my new team and I am sure we will continue working well together. Finally, I have to thank Ducati for accelerating their timetable and providing Pramac d'Antin with the brand new machine much sooner than we thought possible!"

Team-mate Alex Hofmann isn't expected to ride at Jerez, since he is still recovering from surgery to remove metalwork from his foot and ankle.