“I had to stay very focused because I knew that I had a very good pace, but during the race anything can happen, especially during Phillip Island. The conditions can change in 10 minutes.

From eighth at Turn 1 to third at the chequered flag, it was a ride defined by resilience, racecraft and home support, and one that puts Bayliss firmly in the mix heading into Race 2. Bayliss will be starting Race 2 from 6th position, after setting the 6th fastest lap in Race 1.

On his second flying lap, Bulega found even more pace, delivering a 1’28.244. It sealed a third consecutive Phillip Island pole and confirmed his status as the rider to beat heading into Race 1.

With Bulega fastest in every session so far this week and race pace appearing to be the central focus in FP2, the Italian continues to look like the rider to beat as the Australian Round gathers momentum.

No rider was able to challenge the front row in the final minutes, securing a front row start for Bayliss at his home round, a significant achievement for the 22-year-old as he prepares for Saturday’s Race 1.

It was a familiar name at the top of the timesheets, as Nicolò Bulega carried his pre-season form straight into race weekend. The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider was the only competitor to break into the 1’28s bracket