Espargaro sets new Qatar benchmark

The 24-year-old, who went fastest in yesterday's first session, once again spent the majority of the session at the top of the timesheets.

While his halfway mark would not be beaten, he ended the session in emphatic style by breaking through the 1m55s barrier for the first time this weekend.

That left him three tenths clear of Andrea Dovizioso and Alvaro Bautista, and little more than two tenths of a second off Jorge Lorenzo's 2013 pole time.

The latter Spaniard once again struggled, and could be seen frequently complaining about his bike's traction - an issue that has plagued the two-time champion throughout the pre-season.

He ended the session 11th overall, two spots behind team-mate Rossi, and more than one second off the outright pace.

Honda's Factory duo fared better, with Dani Pedrosa fourth and Marc Marquez - who had to save one near-fall - fifth.

Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro secured sixth and eighth respectively for the satellite Tech 3 Yamaha outfit, sandwiching LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl.

The younger Espargaro suffered a nasty fall exiting Turn 9, but was able to return immediately on his second bike and even briefly held top spot, before falling down the order as other improved.

Both Aleix Espargaro and Dovizioso set their fastest times on the soft compound unavailable to Factory entries.

While that tyre's impact will be limited in the race - it falls away after a handful of laps - it suggests the non-Factory squads have a genuine chance of pole in qualifying on Saturday.