After a more difficult first day of track action in Australia, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini rider Aleix Espargaro shot up the timesheets on Day 2 to go sixth overall as lap times began to tumble.

During the morning, Espargaro set his best lap of the day – a 1'29.501 – before concentrating on a longer run later in the day.

The Spaniard also debuted a new aerodynamic fairing design on Day 2 – although only for a number of laps – with initial information gathering the main aim.

"We are improving. Yesterday we had already started in the right direction." Said Espargaro.

"Today we did a lot of chassis tests. I am more than satisfied with both my flying lap and with our pace during the race simulation, which is very important."

"The bike has not changed much compared with Malaysia, but my feeling on it increases constantly," He added "especially with the front tyre and that is very important for my riding style. Now we need to keep improving our package."