Danilo Petrucci ended the Phillip Island test in P14 on the combined timesheets, putting in a best of 1:29.615. The only man on the new GP17 other than Ducati Team riders Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, Petrucci has a good feeling with the bike – but needs more laps to really get to grips with the new machine.

Bemoaning a lack of gains in laptime on new tyres and wanting to take a bigger step forward next time out, the MotoGP podium finisher nevertheless heads home to Italy happy after finding improvements.

“We made some improvements, we did a lot of laps and we are quite happy about our bike and pace. Since the first day we’ve had a good bike but the problem is that we can’t improve a lot, especially with new tyres." Said Petrucci

"The laptime with new tyres isn’t so good, we’re three or four tenths off. It’s like a first test because in Sepang we didn’t have chance to ride a lot. We’re quite happy and we have to continue in this way in Qatar – with a lot of laps, for me to get a good feeling on the bike.”

Sam Lowes  leaves the Philip Island winter test positive after another three days of testing, as the former Moto2 title contender and MotoGP rookie looks for another step forward in his constant progression and learning curve.

The Brit, who did a 1:30.200 as his best lap on the combined timesheets, affirms there is much more to come as he gets more comfortable in his new premier class home.

With a big group of riders within a second, Lowes believes he could fight for points if the lights went out tomorrow – with focus now on Qatar and another chance to take a step forward.

"here are many more positive aspects of our tests than it may seem. I started off with a few difficulties, but growth was constant." Sail Lowes.

"I managed to stay up with the group of riders ahead of me, despite a few uncertainties in my fast lap that cost me a couple of tenths. We obviously need to be faster, but I think that all the riders on the grid would say the same. The gaps are incredibly close."

"With the exception of the top two, practically all the other riders are within just over a second." He added "To be honest, if we were to race tomorrow I think I could battle for the points zone, but I know that our potential is much higher, so the tests in Qatar will be our chance to look for another step forward."

"What Aleix demonstrated with the 2017 bike is an important sign. I know that I have a good technical package to start the season in the best possible way.”

Both Pol Espargaro and teammate Bradley Smith had a positive end to the Phillip Island test for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, with both carrying on the mammoth testing program for the Austrian factory that began this year in Sepang.

Beginning 2017 with three chassis options and “something new on the bike” at every exit of the pits, Phillip Island saw more smaller refinements start to pay off – with Espargaro the lead KTM by the end of business on Day 3 and both Austrian machines spectacularly managing to set 1:29 laps.