Hayden left Sepang in great shape as the fastest MotoGP rider and headed south to the scene of his first true MotoGP podium scored there at the GP in October last year. The 22-year-old reigning Rookie of the Year spent much of the day evaluating Michelin tyres and clocked up 100 laps at the 4.4km circuit south of Melbourne.

His team mate, Alex Barros, has welcomed the short three-day rest between tests as the experienced Brazilian sets about regaining full fitness after recent shoulder surgery.

Top eight; 1.Edwards (Honda) 2.Rossi (Yamaha) 3.Gibernau (Honda) 4.Hayden (Honda) 5.Biaggi (Honda) 6.Barros (Honda) 7 Tamada (Honda) 8 Capirossi (Ducati)

Nicky Hayden - “We tested quite a lot of tyres today and got through quite a bit of work for Michelin. We seemed to go in one direction then tried another – not the greatest of days – but all part of the testin’ process. Tomorrow we really want to work on the bikes set-up. I’m not that happy with the way we have it now. It’s been clear and windy today. Nice to get on a new track after being at Sepang for two back-to-back sessions. It’s definitely a breath of fresh air to go at it on another circuit and see what carries from one circuit to another.”

Alex Barros - “Not so bad today – coming better. The lap time is also closer to the first guy and I’m riding more consistently. We’re still trying to sort the set-up on the machine. Not yet the way I like it. We still have much to do. The main problem is turning; I still don’t feel the machine turns enough so tomorrow we try some different front fork settings and wheel sizes.  Today we managed quite a few consecutive laps – sometimes 12 – and the shoulder feels all right. I’m feeling more comfortable on the machine with each day – the more you ride, the more you understand.”