Martin downbeat

The Italian squad, who run Australian Martin with Michel Fabrizo, were notable absentees from the field, which included every other squad in the championship.

And with Martin and Fabrizio lying only 12th and 13th in the championship after the opening four races, the veteran was frustrated at missing out on some much-needed track time.

Martin said: “I'm not 100% sure of the exact reason DFX decided at last minute to not attend the test, but whatever the reason, it's not good that we weren't there this weekend.

“Partly because we really do need more testing time as we've still got a lot of work to do with the bike, but also, because testing along with all the other teams and riders is one of the best indicators of competitiveness and improvements in the field.

“We've now missed out on both of these opportunities which can only be a hindrance to mine and the team's performance.”

Martin and Fabrizio will be back in action, and probably further down the field than they have been so far this year, at the next round at Donington Park in England at the end of March.