Dovizioso 'more confident' for 2014

Andrea Dovizioso is already feeling more confident about his prospects at Ducati for 2014 after the Italian completed his testing programme in Valencia.

Dovizioso called it quits early at around 1.30pm after analysing some minor updates and was credited with the ninth fastest time in 1m 31.716s.

Although the experienced MotoGP star feels it is too early to speculate over how the Desmosedici will perform at the Sepang test next February, Dovizioso is optimistic about the new season following the appointment of Gigi Dall'Igna as new Ducati Corse General Manager.

"We had a few small things to try, like a throttle, a clutch, and a rear brake, but really nothing new, as we already tested the frame yesterday," he said.

"The conditions today were really, really good, so we were able to make a good lap time, but the other riders also did really fast laps.

"This test served more to familiarise Gigi [Dall'Igna] and to provide feedback to him to apply during his development work for next year," added Dovizioso.

"We can't really know yet how the bike will be in Malaysia, so it's too early to speak about that. For sure, I'm more confident for next year."

Dall'Igna, meanwhile, is preparing for an 'intense' winter period of development prior to the Sepang test next year after the winter ban.

"For me, these days here at Valencia were my first in Ducati, and I had the opportunity to get to know all the people, try to understand the problems with the bike and analyse all the available means that seem to be different from what I was used to before," he said.

"My presence was important primarily for understanding these aspects. Now an intense period of work awaits us in view of the Sepang test in early February."