Stoner enjoyed a dream debut for Ducati in Qatar

The Australian won on his Ducati debut at Qatar, comfortably beating Valentino Rossi into second place.

"Qatar was perfect," he said. "I was able to set my own pace throughout the race, not pushing too much.

"At Jerez I seem to do reasonably well, never that great, but we'll see how things pan out this time."

Five-time world champion Rossi has a good record at the Spanish circuit, with six wins over the years, but finds himself in the unaccustomed position of being five races without a win.

He said he expected to give a better account of himself this time out, and picked out Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa as his main rival.

"Jerez is one of my favourite circuits and I've had some great races there in the past so I hope this is another good year for me," said the Yamaha rider.

Rossi is confident he can end his winless streak

"I expect Pedrosa will be very fast there, as he was in the test, and I expect a big battle with him at his home race."

Pedrosa, 21, has also turned up the heat on Rossi by suggesting age may work against the Italian.

"Coming at the start of the season it is bound to be a very open race and that could suit the more experienced riders like Rossi," he said.

"But the young riders are also very keen to do well. With the combination of home support and my enthusiasm to do well I hope to come up with a good result."

Defending champion Nicky Hayden will be aiming to get his season up and running after a poor eighth-place finish in the season opener.