Despite being hampered by chatter, the Englishman enjoyed a reasonable third and final day, when he also got his first taste of the latest electronic and traction control systems.

Toseland's best lap was 1.4secs behind fastest man Nicky Hayden, but within 0.4secs of factory Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi. Toseland's Tech 3 team-mate Colin Edwards, whose fastest time came with a race tyre, was 0.6secs in front of the #52.

"In November I managed a 2mins 3.5secs lap; just one. So to do a 2mins 2secs on a race tyre and then an '01 with a qualifier let me finish eighth overall today, which I quite pleased with," said James.

"We have had quite bad chatter that we have struggled to get rid of, although I am told that this place is one of the worst circuits for this and maybe in Australia I might not have it.

"I am really happy with how the team is working. I finally got the traction control and the engine system, and this gave an improvement but it is really something that you need to get used to and be confident with to improve your times. It is something I can build-on for the next test.

"I know Phillip Island very well and it is a much cooler place so I am looking forward to starting again next week," he concluded.

"James is continuing to learn, improve and surprise us; I think you have to go step-by-step in MotoGP otherwise we know how things can end up," explained team principal Herve Poncharal.