Frenchman Randy de Puniet, another rider to have taken part in 250 this year, also completed his first full test on board the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR, whilst Briton James Ellison took hold of the Tech3 team's Yamaha M1 in a test on Dunlop tyres.

"We've made big steps forward in terms of getting to know the bike", said Pedrosa, who set the quickest time on the final day with 2'02.77 despite the damp track conditions in the morning. "It has basically been a tough three days for me because I've never done three days of continuous testing before and never on such a demanding bike! I'm physically drained but we've found a few positive things out about the machine, especially today, and the important thing is we keep making positive steps forward."

Pedrosa's compatriot Sete Gibernau knows precisely what is required to beat Rossi and the experienced Spaniard worked with that goal in mind as he completed his second test with Ducati at Jerez. Gibernau switched from Honda at the end of the 2005 season and is already feeling at home with the Italian team, despite also having switched from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres.

"It was useful to get to know exactly what I need to find the right feeling with the new bike", said Gibernau. "We made progress and managed to find a path that seemed right. We are making small steps forward to avoid going in the wrong direction. I also tested the new tyres and started to give a few indications to the Bridgestone guys."

A handful of 250cc riders also lapped at Jerez, most notably with Sebastián Porto making his return to Honda where he tested along with factory colleague Andrea Dovizioso.