Xerox Ducati's Noriyuki Haga reckons the new knockout Superpole format is strange and the three-session test this afternoon was hampered further by rain.

The Samurai of Slide was, nevertheless, fourth quickest this afternoon and third fastest overall, just behind Sterilgarda Ducati's Shane Byrne and Yamaha's Ben Spies.

“Unfortunately we have not had good weather over these three days. I am however very happy with the work we’ve done, we’ve found the direction to take with the settings and I’ve enjoyed every exit I’ve made," said Haga.

"The new Superpole is strange, and when the weather is like it was today, with rain coming on during the three Superpoles, it complicates things. We can have a plan but we cannot plan the weather! Now I’m looking forward to Phillip Island, and feel nearly ready to race. The Phillip Island tests, just a week before the race, will be useful too of course.”