Having been separated by just 0.054sec on day one of the second Sepang test, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 riders Colin Edwards and Ben Spies were a mere 0.026sec apart at the close of the final day in Malaysia.

Unlike on day one, it was the experienced Edwards who emerged on top, claiming fourth overall as the top satellite rider at the test.

“It felt really hot out there today and I don't think anybody was going to do a lot of laps in those conditions. I did 35 laps and all of them were productive and I'm leaving this test really happy,” said Edwards.

“I worked on the electronics and a bit of suspension work today and I was happy with the new Bridgestone rear tyre. We did full race distance on it in the middle of the day when it was really hot and I was still doing 2.02s on the last lap. So it really keeps a good level of grip for a long time. I feel ready to race right now.

“We've got the bike sorted out and the last test in Qatar should be another positive test to set us up nicely for the first race. We're ready to go because Yamaha has done a fantastic job. Everything they have done has improved the bike and that's a great achievement.

“I want to thank my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 again for all their hard work and congratulate Ben too.

“This is a tough track to learn but he's doing a great job and he is impressing a lot of people. We're working really closely together and that is going to be great to help the team have another great year,” he concluded.

Fellow Texan Spies, the reigning World Superbike champion, is already firmly tipped to take the 2010 MotoGP rookie of the year title - and has cut the gap between himself and Yamaha's world champion Valentino Rossi down to 0.743sec.

Spies had left the first Sepang test, held on February 4-5, in seventh overall and 1.3sec from Rossi.

“It has been a positive test for me again because I have been able to improve my lap time by quite a bit. I'm 0.8s quicker than yesterday so that is a good step in the right direction. I did a race simulation and all my laps were in the 2min 1sec,” confirmed Spies.

“I've always felt good at the end of races and I think that is what my strong point has been in the past. In Valencia when I raced the Yamaha for the first time I came on strong at the end. When the tyres go off I feel a little bit better.