The menacing, black Italian bikes ended the initial qualifying encounter both out of the top ten, a higly unusual result for the team that at Qatar and Phillip Island were right up with the factory Xerox Ducati's.
For Biaggi the injury sustained in a huge get-off at the first corner in the second race in Australis is still giving the Roman Emperor some problems. But only if he pushes hard.
The four-time 250cc GP world champion spent the day trying to dial in a decent race set-up and tested many different ideas to progress hius feeling for the bike.
"I'm not totally satisfied, even though I managed to make some good improvements at the end of the session," declared Biaggi.
"I need to work with the team to make the bike easier to turn. My physical condition is much better thanks to therapy and training. However when I make a big effort I feel a bit of pain still."
Xaus, like Biaggi, spent all day working towards the races on Sunday. Only near the end did the Spaniard try and set a decent qualifying time. The tall Barcelona man completed 28 laps of the van Drenthe circuit, more than anyone else.
"After much work I have found a good set-up," said Xaus. "Unfortunately Checa was in my way on my first run at a really quick time, and later on the red flags came out to prevent a further improvement."
Echoing the sentiments of many riders, Xaus also added that the weather may pay the biggest part in any improvements he might be able to make.
