"We're not chasing lap times at the minute, particularly with having an injury, but we've definitely found some interesting results and gathered the all-important data we need. Hopefully with a bit more rest we can get out on track tomorrow for the last time this year to conclude our test with plenty of laps under our belt," he declared.

"John is definitely struggling a little with his injury, but this test is very important for him and the team for our machine development," added Bartholemy. "Hopefully with some rest overnight he can continue tomorrow because we need as much information from him as possible.

"I think we are coming closer to where we need to be, and the rider comments are all very similar, which is positive in terms of development, as we know where we need to concentrate our efforts. We are aware we won't find a big solution in these three days, but from this test we have a better idea of strategy for our winter development programme ready for next season."

Only Kawasaki and Suzuki are present at Phillip Island this week - Yamaha, Ducati and Honda teams having chosen to test at Jerez instead.

Suzuki, which will only release official lap times after Friday's third and final day of testing, reported that Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi spent day two "testing all the new parts - that have been supplied for this final test of the year - for performance and durability, rather than trying for outright lap-times.

"Both riders were very impressed with the new components that Suzuki has brought to the three-day test and are hopeful the improvements will help with the performance of next year's machine.

"Despite interruptions during the day due to some inclement weather, Vermeulen completed over 80 laps at his home Australian track, whilst Italian Capirossi covered the 4,448m circuit more than 60 times."