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Following the announcement that he will replace Davide Giugliano to partner Chaz Davies in the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team next year, Marco Melandri has completed his first three-day test at the helm of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

During this week’s test, which saw Melandri on-track at Misano from Monday to Wednesday and put in 70 laps on each of the first two days, the 19-time World Superbike race winner was able to take time out from his busy schedule to speak with WorldSBK.com, contently noting that the Panigale very much suits his riding style.

Marco, how was your return to the track?
It has been exciting! As if it was the first time again! When you are doing something you like – motorcycle racing, in my case – and you have to stop, it helps you to better understand how much you miss it and why you liked it in the first place. I have enjoyed this return to riding in a special way. It was better than the first time.

What emotions have you experienced?
In addition to the excitement, there was also almost some shyness. I am coming back from a difficult time, but the guys in the garage have welcomed me as a rider. I must admit, I felt a little uncomfortable at first, but as we have been working they have made me feel very welcome and very comfortable. Everything now feels natural.

How has the workload been distributed?
On the first day, Monday, it was about understanding my current level on the bike. That was the most difficult moment. Then we worked on the position of the seat and that allowed us to use Tuesday to make more refined changes. Then we started to look at things to give me more confidence with my riding style. Once the bike was more suited to me, I felt more at ease and regained control. I don’t feel ready to race at the moment, but I’m beginning to have the mindset of a rider once again.

How many laps are you typically doing in every stint?
Not many. I feel good, but there is no point in exceeding the number of laps necessary in order to keep making small improvements. Tiring myself out too early would have meant not being at 100% for the last day, so I preferred to take it more step-by-step to really go for it on the last day. I’m not sure if I’m yet fit enough for a half-race simulation, but I’d like to go at it bit by bit.

What programme do you have lined up with Ducati over the coming months?
Let’s say I’m almost a test rider, which should have been Carlos Checa this year; I’m making the most of his absence to be able to ride the bike immediately. We will go to Valencia in October, but we still need to define the plan properly.

In the meantime, what sort of training are you doing?
In September I will be using a street bike to put in the kilometres and gradually continue to get into the rhythm. I started training in the gym by following some rather precise training programmes and then more specific stuff to work the muscles I will be using for riding. For me, this test here at Misano is to understand my current situation – and I think I’m ahead of where I expected to be at this stage.

What do you make of the Panigale?
It is a great discovery for me. I was always pretty sure that this bike could be good for my riding style; of course some people were very skeptical about it but, even though it is still quite early on, I am happy. The bike has very good power delivery and the front end is very honest and nimble. The kind of bike that normally works for me.

Have you spoken much with your 2017 team-mate, Chaz Davies?
Yes, I have seen him. I think he’s a good companion to have in the team. We were on the same team in 2013 (riding BMW bikes) and there was plenty of ‘love and harmony’ [laughs]. Of course, Chaz is the man to speak to about this bike because he’s already been riding it for three years – and riding it very well!