MotoGP riders get a taste of the Red Bull Ring

The MotoGP calendar returns to Austria for the first time in almost two decades for the 10th round of the 2016 season.

Pramac Ducati's Scott Redding was third fastest in the test session.

MotoGP riders got their first taste of the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on Tuesday as they prepare for the Austrian Grand Prix next month. 

The MotoGP calendar returns to Austria for the first time in almost two decades for the 10th round of the 2016 season. Riders were given the chance to get a feel for the track with a two-day private test, with Ducati dominating the time sheets on day one. Factory riders Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone were first and second fastest respectively, with test rider Casey Stoner in fourth.

Pramac Ducati's Scott Redding, who was third fastest, said: "First impression here has been really nice to be honest. The track layout is nice, a lot of up and down and some blind corners. It's really enjoyable and we'll see where we can improve tomorrow."

"I like the track, it really seems to suit our bike," said fellow Ducati rider Eugene Laverty from the Pull & Bear Aspar Team. "There are a lot of straights and hard braking and the Ducati is working well here so far."

A seven-time premier class champion, Valentino Rossi - who was the fastest Yamaha rider in ninth - said: "It's a particular circuit because you stay really, really fast and spend a lot of time with full throttle. Compared to the normal circuit you have a lot less corners, there are nine. Usually we have 15! It's not the best circuit for us personally as usually we suffer a bit with top speed."

Meanwhile, Mika Kallio confirmed he will give KTM its MotoGP race debut as a wild-card in the season finale in Valencia before they join the paddock from 2017 onwards.