Edwards was 1.2s inside the existing record as the 28-year-old American rider goes in search of victory in the decisive 13th round of the championship at the Imola track on September 29.

He powered the SP-2 Honda machine around the 3.04-mile circuit in 1m 48.10s and remains confident of taking a second title, adding to his 2000 success.

"We've had a good test, I've done a lot of miles and now I'm ready to race," said Edwards. "The guys from Michelin and Showa have gone home happy and I think we're just about set for the final round here next week."

Edwards' lap time was also faster than the fastest lap recorded in last year's inaugural World Superbike round at the famous Italian venue. That lap was set by Ruben Xaus, at 1m 48.462s during the Saturday morning qualifying session.

The Castrol rider added: "It's OK going fast but the main reason for the test was to find a good race set-up and we've pretty much done that so you have to say today's been a success."

Edwards, winner of the last seven races, leads the championship by one point from defending champion Troy Bayliss as the pair head for a final round showdown.

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