Source: Supplied.

Ducati Team’s Andrea Iannone led the way on the second and final day of MotoGP testing at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, heading four Ducatis at the top of the timesheets, including Australian test rider Casey Stoner in third.

Iannone lowered the circuit’s benchmark to 1m23.240s during Wednesday’s afternoon session, trailed by day one pace-setter Andrea Dovizioso 0.440s behind and factory test rider Stoner, just over half a second off the pace.

“It was a very positive test,” Iannone said. “I am happy that we finished it in this way with the best time, because in the two days we always lapped very quickly and we worked very well. Yesterday we tried for the first time the new chassis, which gave me some very positive sensations. Today we focused on working on some different bike set-up solutions, with good results and I can say that a result like this is the best possible way to go on holiday!”

Stoner’s form was once again impressive despite limited laps and a late crash while using a soft tyre. While the likes of Iannone and Dovizioso were on Ducati’s latest evolution of chassis, Stoner was on the previous version.

Fourth fastest overall was Avintia Racing’s Hector Barbera, edging out Movistar Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, as well as official Team Suzuki runners Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro. The top 10 was completed by Scott Redding (Pramac Ducati) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda).

Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Honda’s Jack Miller ended the test 12th in the final afternoon, his 1m24.555s laptime 1.315s outside of Iannone’s eventual overall quickest. It was once again a positive showing for the Aussie.

The KTM Factory Racing test team of Mika Kallio and Tom Luthi continued to assess their progress alongside the other manufacturers, with both riders managing to get within 2.5s off Iannone’s pace. Kallio confirmed yesterday the team will wildcard at Valencia.

Sam Lowes and fellow Aprilia Racing Team Gresini test rider Mike de Meglio continued to develop the new RS-GP gearbox alongside factory rider Alvaro Bautista, but decided not to run transponders and didn’t record a time.