MOTOGP: Red Bull Ring 'strange' for bikes - Stoner

Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner believes the Red Bull Ring is a "strange" circuit for bikes because of the nature of its layout.

The majority of the MotoGP field, including 2017 newcomer KTM, is testing at the Austrian venue ahead of its return to the calendar next month for the first time since 1997, with Ducati dominating the first day of running on Tuesday.

Stoner, who was back in test action for Ducati after testing at Misano last month, was fourth fastest, and while he liked parts of the track, he was unsure about how well it suited two-wheeled machinery.

"You can't get a much more picturesque circuit than this, it's something very special," said the Australian. "The circuit has some nice parts but it's a bit strange for bikes because some of the corners don't flow well together, which makes it somewhat difficult.

"The [newly-laid] surface is fantastic and very smooth, the grip level seems somewhat medium but we'll put some more rubber down and get a little bit more feeling on the track. This test is a little easier than Misano, where it was very hot and I hadn't been on the bike for a long time, whereas here I didn't struggle and it was easier for me on the bike.

"We've been trying a lot of comparisons with the bikes, with wings, without wings, lots of things to get data and it's all been quite positive."

Andrea Dovizioso, who led way in a top 10 filled with seven Ducatis, said the layout suited the Italian bikes.

"The track has some aggressive first- and second-gear acceleration areas and quite long straights, so it is suitable for the characteristics of our bike, and as a result it was quite easy to lap quickly," said the Italian. "It was great to be constantly quick on this track and, even though it's not one of the biggest and most spectacular tracks in the championship, it is interesting."

Teammate Andrea Iannone, second on day one, added: "The track is really nice and adapts well to the characteristics of our Desmosedici GP.

"We worked a bit on the bike and also tested some new chassis parts, but all in all we made very few changes because the sensations were always very positive."

Originally on Autosport.com