Former Moto2 world champ Tito Rabat struggled when he moved up to MotoGP with the Marc VDS squad and never seemed to make any headway with the RC213V - only able to put in fast times when caravanning - but appears to have changed with the Spaniard showing pace at both Valencia and Jerez tests.

Rabat ended up under three-quarters of a second slower than Andrea Dovizioso on the final day in Spain as the Avintia Ducati GP16 suits his style more than the Honda. He says he back to being the Moto2 Tito

“The very positive thing was I made my lap time alone. I go, exiting from pit lane, pushed and boom! No waiting for other people. I’m happy with the bike, my team and myself. The character of the bike is good; the braking, braking stability, wheelie and acceleration system. Middle corner speed also. Of course, everything needs to improve,” said Rabat.

“But the important thing now is that I am enjoying. I pass a very nice day, worked very but the important thing to remember is many riders go fast, stay good and arrive to Qatar not good. The important is to improve tomorrow, know better my crew chief, my team and try to get a better connection. And focus on riding. It’s a long way to Qatar. It’s a long time until then.

“For me it’s much more complete. I come back to being the Tito from Moto2. But it’s because I have the tools to do it, not because I change. It’s because I have the tools. I am strong and I can do it. We will see during the season.”