The former Honda Gresini rider completed his first 42 laps on a Desmosedici, with a best of 1min 33.508secs - good enough for sixth on the timesheets and 0.3secs faster than his best RC212V lap during Sunday's season ending Valencia Grand Prix. However, Toni also suffered a small fall in the process (pictured).
"I'm very happy with my first contact with the Ducati, because I adapted quickly in the few laps that I made with the bike," said the Spaniard. "The feeling has been very good, and I like the team. Everything is new for me, and little by little I'm going to work to understand all the new impressions the bike gives me. Tomorrow we will work on the set-up a little more to continue improving and continue to adapt parts of the bike to my style of riding. In summary, today has been very positive for me."
d'Antin, which will become 'Alice Team' next year, will have a brand new line-up with
Sylvain Guintoli moving from Yamaha Tech 3 to partner Elias. The Frenchman set the eleventh fastest Tuesday lap time, 0.86secs slower than Elias, and was also pleased with his first impressions.
"My first impressions are very good, with the bike and with the team," he said. "The atmosphere is laid-back in general, and this makes me feel at ease. The Ducati is a great package, with a very fast engine, and a chassis and suspension combination that allow me to ride with total confidence. Tomorrow, I hope to continue adapting to the bike and lowering my times, and little by little start adjusting things to my preference."
