Lorenzo flying

Rookie Lorenzo, who has moved to Yamaha after winning the 250cc world title for the past two years, performed a race simulation first in preparation for next weekend's Qatar race under the floodlights.

And, as the night drew on, it was the 20-year-old Spaniard who went quickest as most of the field switched to qualifying tyres and fuel loads.

His time of 1:54.552 saw him edge out another rookie, Britain's James Toseland, at the top of the timesheets.

“I am very happy because we have done two days of testing with a very good rhythm throughout," said Lorenzo. "Our performance has been consistent, which is very important after the trouble we had at the last test and this makes me confident for the first race.

"The race simulation today was really positive, although I think we still need to do some work on the rear of the bike which might allow us to be a bit faster.

"Despite all these positive signs we must keep our feet on the ground, because I have never raced with the other riders and the first race will be a new experience for me!"

Toseland, the reigning World Superbike Champion, was just four hundredths of a second slower on his Tech-3 Yamaha.

Randy de Puniet was third fastest - as he was on day one - on his LCR Honda, while Toseland's team-mate Colin Edwards was fourth.

Surprisingly day one pace-setter Casey Stoner was down in fifth after a crash early on at the second corner when he low-sided off his Ducati. But the world champion was unflustered.

"We only had a few things left to test and I'm happy because we've used different configurations on the two bikes and they both worked well. Next week during practice we'll decide which setting to use in the race," said Stoner.

"I'm also really happy with the race tyres - the qualifiers could be a bit better but I'm not too worried because they're not the most important tyres of the weekend."

Andrea Dovizioso was sixth quickest for JiR Scot Honda with former world champion Nicky Hayden next up on his Repsol bike.

Chris Vermeulen was the best of the Suzuki riders in eighth, while the Gresini Honda of Alex de Angelis and the Yamaha of five-time world champion Valentino Rossi completed the top ten.

In addition to Stoner, there were a few light crashes, but Loris Capirossi had a major off on his Suzuki, although thankfully he was unhurt.

"I also lost because I had a big crash, but luckily I wasn't hurt and could carry on. Really this has been quite a good test because we have learnt many things. I tested three engines and maybe we lost our way there, but I'm glad we did it," said the veteran Italian.