Marlboro Ducati's Valentino Rossi has said the new frame parts that were bolted on to his Desmosedici for MotoGP testing in Portugal yesterday were instantly better as it gave him better feel through the front geometry.

The Doctor lapped in 1'37.382 which put him fifth fastest behind Britain's Cal Crutchlow and 1.1s slower than his big mate Marco Simoncelli who managed a 1'36.211 which was hugely faster than qualifying on Saturday.

"It was a positive test because the new updates were immediately better. The bike was more sensitive to changes made to the front, which makes it easier to work on a setup that works better for me. I realized that as soon as I got on the bike and then, over the course of the following hours, we constantly progressed," said The Doctor.

"We also had an engine with a slightly smoother power delivery that I liked a lot. We'll start using it when the rotation plan allows it. I liked the tyres that Bridgestone had us try, they seemed very good. Of course the other riders also made great progress, and the less positive about today is the gap to the front on my best lap.

"Anyway, everything that the Ducati technicians brought worked, and that means that we're on the right path. We have to continue working, but today's test gives us confidence."