"Between races I've been able to spend some time in Australia with my family out at the farm, away from the computer and the mobile phone! It was nice to get away from things and relax but now I can't wait to get back on the bike," he declared.
For new team-mate
Marco Melandri, Shanghai could be even more important; after finishing just 11th, 12th and 13th in his three Desmosedici races so far, the Italian is hoping Ducati horsepower can finally push him into contention.
Shanghai features two long straights, one of which - at 1.2km - is the longest in
MotoGP, putting a huge emphasis on horsepower.
"Shanghai is a circuit I like a lot," said the Italian. "The first time we went there I managed a podium and went really strong in the wet - in fact my overriding memory from that race is the rain, there was so much of it!
"Last year I finished fifth [on a Gresini Honda] and that was a good result for me because I remember I was losing a lot of ground in the straights, on top speed. That shouldn't be the case this year and in general the track should be good for our bike so hopefully we can have a good race at last," he admitted
Satellite Ducati riders
Toni Elias and
Sylvain Guintoli have often found themselves battling with Melandri outside the top ten. Elias has taken a best finish of 12th so far this year, with fellow Alice rider Guintoli peaking at 14th.
"Last year I wasn't so lucky [at Shanghai]," recalled Elias. "At the first corner I touched with Nicky [Hayden] and went out. It's a pity but I count on getting back what I lost last year. I really like the track, it's the right combination of fast and slow turns. Then, there is the long straight where I remember the Ducati we really fast last year. But the most important part of the track for me is the last turn that takes you to the finish line: if you enter well you can gain much precious time and it could be really helpful in case of an arrival with other riders."
