"I was able to run right with him and run the same lap times. We had a bit of a battle, so that was good for my confidence. We've had three really good days and the lap times have been good. I don't want to get carried away though. We've done the times in perfect conditions but there was no one else here to compare ourselves to, so the proof will only come in Qatar. One thing is for sure though, we are much further ahead of where we were at this time last year."

Round one of the 2006 WSS series takes place at the Losail circuit in Qatar on Saturday 25 February with Phillip Island playing host to the second round just eight days later.