DUCATI has been told not to expect any miracles by Valentino Rossi in the first round of the 2012 MotoGP season at Qatar.
The miracle Rossi is referring to comes after Fernando Alonso’s surprise win for Ferrari in F1 at Mayalsia, as both of the Italian manufacturers have experienced similar struggles over pre-season testing for their respective series.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Rossi said: "I don't know whether it's possible for us to do such a miracle in Doha."
At the conclusion of pre-season testing, that has seen the nine-time champion have contrasting feelings towards the Desmosedici GP12, he believed the team took the wrong direction after the second test at Sepang, adding: "This is our real situation at this time: not too excited like at Sepang one, nor so depressed like at Sepang two.
"I've told [Filippo] Preziosi what are the things that don't work. After the first test in Malaysia someone had some 'marvellous ideas' that turned out to be sh*t."
Rossi believed that the decision made by Ducati held him back in the final test at Jerez, but said that he is still hoping for race by race improvements. Despite this the Italian was pleased at the end of the three days, as he ended the test in sixth and within a second of the fastest time set by Casey Stoner.
"We began the Jerez test with the ideas that came up in that Sepang second test, which turned out to be wrong," Rossi conceded.
"The rain on the second day made us lose plenty of time, so on the third day we had to do everything we didn't manage to do before, and when we had reached a decent point there was no more time or tyres.
"At least I've managed to do 15 consecutive laps. This is our position at the moment, and if everything goes well we'll be able to do it again in Qatar.
"Let's keep in mind that this bike has only done eight track days, so I hope we'll be able to improve it during the season."
Click here for the 2012 MotoGP calendar.
