Ex-MotoGP race winner Marco Melandri continues preparations for his return to the World Superbike Championship in 2017 as he tests his Aruba.it Ducati Panigale R in Jerez, Spain. <br /> <br />Check out the glorious noise kicked out by the Ducati twin as Melandri practises his starts in the pit-lane... <br /> <br />Melandri has replaced Davide Giugliano in the factory Ducati squad alongside Chaz Davies as he gears up for a return to racing for the first time since splitting from Aprilia midway through the 2015 MotoGP season. <br /> <br />The 2011 World Superbike runner-up’s preparations for this season were stalled after needing surgery on the meniscus in his right leg after sustaining an injury in a charity football match in November. <br /> <br />Melandri says he’s back at full fitness and despite opting out of a race simulation in Jerez due to blisters on his hands the Italian still completed 124 laps over the two-day test, with a best time of 1m 40.313s to put him fourth fastest. <br /> <br />“It’s been a really positive test. I expected some more difficulties after the meniscus surgery, but actually I felt quite well,” Melandri said. “The team is doing a great job and everyday I feel more comfortable on the bike. <br /> <br />“We still struggle a bit on fresh tyres, also because with the cold climate it’s more difficult to warm them up, but we’re heading in the right direction. <br /> <br />“I would have liked to do a race simulation, but we’ll wait until Portimão because I had some blisters in my hands after such a long break. Physically I feel fine though, I recovered completely and I’m sure I’ll be 100 percent fit for Phillip Island.” <br /> <br />www.crash.net/wsbk <br />Melandri reacts to WSBK testing comeback - http://bit.ly/2kK1bTI
