Concentrating on adapting to the Ducati, the Borgo Panigale factory’s newest recruit continues getting closer and closer to the top as teammate “DesmoDovi” concentrates more on testing for the season ahead.

“Today we made a big step forward in our understanding of the bike, just like we did on the third day of testing at Sepang," Said Lorenzo "And the times have been much better."

"It’s a shame that we weren’t able to test the soft tyre in the morning when there were better track conditions, because I think we could have bettered the laptime by another three tenths."

"As I keep saying, the important thing isn’t the timesheets, it’s the feeling and understanding how to ride the bike." He added.

"We still have a lot of work to do, especially in corners to get the bike to turn more, but if we balance out the test in general, we can say we finished it positively."

Dani Pedrosa only got out on track in the latter half of the second day at the Phillip Island test due to a fever and throat infection, but the three-time World Champion bounced back with a vengeance on Day 3 as he shot straight back up the timesheets – despite not having ridden at the track at the 2016 Australian GP, having broken his collarbone earlier in Motegi.

Happy with progress although not done with pre-season homework yet, the Honda rider put in a best of 1:29.033 on Day 3 – his fastest of the test – and did 65 laps.

"In general I think it’s been a positive test, considering it’s not one of my favourite tracks." Said Perdrosa "I rode well and I think we’ve improved day on day."

"Yesterday I wasn’t well, but today I felt better and the team and I have been able to do a good job on track."

We concentrated on the electronics again and on setup; we’re just missing a long run because we ran out of time." He added.

"Michelin have also made a step forward with the tyres. In the end, we can say we’re going in the right direction- but we still have work to do."

Honda rided Marc Marquez was the only man able to break Yamaha new recruit Maverick Vinales’ stranglehold at the Phillip Island test, and the only other man able to set a lap in the 1:28 bracket.

Fastest on Day 1 and then just behind Vinales on each subsequent day, the five-time World Champion is however happy with pace and progress – putting another 96 laps on the sheets on Day 3, when the rider from Cervera also celebrated his 24th birthday.

Setting a 1:28.843 on the third and final day, the number 93 was just under three-tenths off compatriot Vinales – but has shown equally impressive speed and consistency over longer runs.