Defending MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner said he was excited to hit the track after missing the opening day of pre-season testing.
MotoGP teams took to the track in Sepang, Malaysia this week for three days of testing ahead of the opening race of the season in Qatar on April 8.
Ducati's Stoner missed the opening day in Malaysia because of a back complaint, but was not out of action for long and is now excited about the season ahead.
"After the winter break and a long time off the bike, we were preparing in order to be ready for day one of testing. Unfortunately I had a problem with my back and we missed that opening day," Stoner said.
"We had our schedule planned out for the three days, but we were able to pack it all into two in the end."
"I was a little bit disappointed, but then I felt really good when I was able to get back riding and experience the feeling of being on track again."
"Everything went pretty well and I hope that we can improve."
This season, riders will have more power at their disposal, with a step up to 1000cc bikes rather than the 800cc machines used in 2011.
But the Australian does not believe the change will have a big impact on riders.
"We haven't changed much in terms of riding style; with the 800cc we already had an abundance of power, so we had to learn to manage that in many ways," he said.
"I think that the 1000cc has a lot more acceleration - which makes things more fun - but I don't have to change my style too much for that."
"The feeling is very similar to with the 800cc bikes and it seems as if everyone is adapting well."