Team Manager Colin Wright explained the reasons for testing so close to the Christmas holiday: "It was important to have a run-out before the SBK test at Kyalami next month and Valencia seemed like a logical choice. The weather conditions were good and we were able to achieve our working objectives at the start of our debut World Superbike season.

"From a technical viewpoint, we knew that the factory Ducatis would be excellent and we were keen to try them out with Dunlop tyres. Neil and James spent the early part of the test learning the circuit and getting the basic settings to their liking. It was a bonus that Neil was able to get on the pace so quickly."

Hodgson (27) was over a second under Troy Corser's existing Superbike lap record as he blitzed to a superb time of 1:35.67on race tyres, which was also half-a-second inside last season's Superpole time. "It was a brilliant opportunity to get out on the factory Ducati and become accustomed with its power and handling characteristics," explained the British Superbike Champion.

"Being surrounded by the same team at GSE Racing is a huge bonus as I make my comeback in World Superbikes. I was delighted that everyone worked so hard to make this test possible and that I was able to build up the pace towards a fast time."

Twenty year-old Toseland was also positive after recording a time of 1:38.9 despite a crash on the Sunday afternoon: "There was no pressure for me to record a fast time and it was a useful exercise for me to test the factory Ducati as early as possible. The bike felt great and I had no adverse reaction to the injuries that I suffered earlier in the year."