With Bulega fastest in every session so far this week and race pace appearing to be the central focus in FP2, the Italian continues to look like the rider to beat as the Australian Round gathers momentum.

No rider was able to challenge the front row in the final minutes, securing a front row start for Bayliss at his home round, a significant achievement for the 22-year-old as he prepares for Saturday’s Race 1.

It was a familiar name at the top of the timesheets, as Nicolò Bulega carried his pre-season form straight into race weekend. The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider was the only competitor to break into the 1’28s bracket