Muggeridge in action

The 32-year-old Australian, who has switched to Sergio Bertocchi’s team from the Ten Kate squad, rode the bike raced by Alex Barros for the Klaffi team this season.

Muggeridge said: “I'm fairly happy with the way things are going even though clutch problems made us miss almost an entire day. The organisation is new but everybody's eager to get down to work and that's the most important thing.”

His new team-mate Josh Brookes – another Australian – had only previously ridden a Honda once before at Imola, after spending his half-season in World Superbikes on a Kawasaki.

Brookes struggled initially with the bike, but saw his pace and feeling improve as he reeled off the laps, and was reasonably content by the end of the test.

Brookes said: “To be honest I haven't got the hang of the bike yet. It's completely new and totally different to the bikes I've been riding so far.

“We need to do a lot more miles together, but I'm confident that the basis for success is firmly in place.”

Also at the Spanish circuit were the Sterilgada Berik team, who were running their 2006-spec Ducati 999 for the first time.

Spaniard Ruben Xaus – who will remain with the team for a second season in 2007 – rode the bike, and said it was a huge improvement over the bike he raced this year.

"I tried out the Ducati F06 for the first time and I'm very impressed," the nine-time race-winning Spaniard said. "Traction control lets you perform twice as well with only half the effort.

“This test session is going amazingly well and has given be a great psychological boost. I did my best lap in 1:36 and we've yet to start working on the bike to find the best settings.

“We're going to be really competitive this year."

No times were released from the test.