Guandalini Ducati's new boy Brendan Roberts has said he is struggling with the extra grip given to him by the WSB-spec Pirelli tyres compared to the Superstock hoops he is used to riding on.

The reigning European Superstock 1000 moved up to the big class this season with Jakub Smrz as team-mate and Frankie Chili in a team manager's role. His hasn't had he greatest of starts to the year, but hopes to turn things around from Valencia.

Speaking to my esteemed colleague Edgar Jessop, Roberts said: "The biggest difference between the two motorcycles is the tyres, to get the confidence to use the extra grip has been difficult to learn so far this year. The Ducati's engine and suspension are surprisingly similar to the superstock machine from 2008.

"Nothing is ever easy and especially with the number of fast riders in this year’s championship, I have so much to learn but persistence will pay off."
Click here for the full interview