Ducati MotoGP test rider Casey Stoner has said the 2016 Desmosedici GP is softer, more progressive and more forgiving than its GP15 counterpart following two-days of rain-interrupted testing at Losail, in Qatar.

Unfortunately the rain spoiled the first day and the Aussie could make only some good laps, with unofficial lap times of low 1’58s that are not indicative. Yesterday, he tested first the GP15 and then switched to the 2016 bike for a comparison. Track conditions were better the second day and Stoner completed 65 laps

“It’s very, very different. You can feel the chassis is softer, more progressive and forgiving. It was good to get some laps today even though it rained a couple of times during the day but luckily dried out before we started and I got in some decent laps,” said Stoner, speaking at the track.

“Conditions are not ideal, we’ve had dust clouds when it hasn’t been raining and the track’s pretty but we had enough to grip to get through what we needed to. It’s very positive. At the moment, it’s new parts and things the Andreas don’t have a chance to try over a weekend.

“We’re getting through those, we had quite a few to throw on the bike today. We’re confirming things we found in Sepang, feeling the difference between the GP15 and Desmosedici GP back and forward and trying to find a direction in which to go. We haven’t planned any future tests, we’re still discussing and when new parts have been produced.”