Ducati will not have a brand new bike to take to the upcoming Sepang MotoGP tests, according to lead rider Nicky Hayden, which means he will be still battling with the issues that plagued him in 2012.

Hayden, who has been singled out for improved performance by Ducati boss Gabriele Del Torchio, struggled to get the bike out of turns and experienced problems with understeer last year and says the factory is currently taking small steps to improve the situation.

“I was in Bologna in the past days. We don’t have a ‘new bike’ as such, it hasn’t changed a lot from last year, but we’re taking small steps. The engine rule is obviously a hindrance, but I see this year as a ‘fresh’ start," said Hayden, speaking at Wroom.