Sterilgarda Ducati's Shane Byrne reckons that although he wasn't able to take part in the recent tests at Phillip Island, he should be on the pace by the end of qualifying on Saturday.

Speaking to bikesportnews.com this morning, Byrne said: "It was a shame we couldn't test over here, but testing is testing and racing is racing, and come the end of Saturday we will be there.

"We've got a couple of things to try with the electronics, but we know the chassis and setup is pretty good because of the tests in Portugal and I was happy with that.

"I like Phillip Island, it's a great track. I tested there for two days with the Aprilia MotoGP bike so I know which way it goes. I am sure we're going to be on the pace come Sunday."