YOU won't set many hot laps in those conditions.

Ducati has released the first official pictures of Valentino Rossi and team-mate Nicky Hayden with the 2011 Ducati Moto GP challenger.

Most launches tend to take place on a race track - not a snow-covered mountain.

According to crew chief Jeremy Burgess, Rossi is already enthusiastic about his new steed after several seasons with Yamaha.

The nine-time champion praised the engine's power and rear grip but is believed to have ordered changes that will make the bike change direction more quickly.