Meanwhile, team-mate Hodgson finished the test fourth overall - 0.858secs behind Bostrom - and wasn't pleased at being outpaced by his new team-mate.

"The test was good for me, but obviously it is a bit threatening when your team-mate is quicker than you," said Hodgson. "It's early days, though, and we managed to cut our times by the end of the test. Still some way to go for us, but we're getting there. My comfort level at this track is definitely improved. We were second last year in the race, but I feel more comfortable here already with what we accomplished."

"We are very glad Ben was immediately on the pace. He hasn't ridden a Ducati in many years and had never ridden a 999. Neil struggled some but in the last 40 minutes was able to up his pace," said Paolo Ciabatti of Ducati Corse. "I think it is a good beginning. We have a lot of new personnel this year. We have a good harmony in the team and they got along very well. We are happy at this stage and want to see what we do at the next tests."

Daytona AMA Superbike test lap times:

1. Ben Spies (Suzuki) 1min 37.309secs
2. Ben Bostrom (Ducati) 1min 37.849secs
3. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 1min 38.371secs
4. Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 1min 38.707secs
5. Jake Zemke (Honda) 1min 39.226secs
6. Roger Hayden (Kawasaki) 1min 39.334secs