Jack Miller's fortunes mirrored the ever-changing weather on Phillip Island on the first day of the Australian MotoGP, with the Queenslander still confident of a podium finish.
The Pramac Racing Ducati rider will attack Saturday's third free practice from eighth position after a mixed bag in Friday's opening two sessions.
Miller was second quickest in the first practice but was unable to match that pace in the second session.
"I think the podium is still an achievable goal," Miller said.
"The bike's behaving quite well.
"I feel good, the bike feels good and team is working really well ... I can't fault any of it.
"I'm satisfied with the performance, but we still need a little bit more to be competitive in the race.
"We tried a few different things and I'm happy that we're still inside the top 10, but I expected a it more from the front tyre ... that's a little bit of a disappointment.
"But we're thereabouts and we've got good pace."
New world champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) were among several riders to crash in trademark tricky weather conditions at the famed island circuit.
The Spanish star recovered from a crash in the opening practice to be seventh overall after two sessions, but Crutchlow suffered a broken ankle in a nasty high-speed slide and would require surgery.
Italian rider Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) avoided the carnage to be a surprise leader at the top of the standings after a blistering late run.
Danilo Petrucci (Pramac Racing Ducati) finished second overall, with Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha) third and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) fourth.
Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) finished the day in 10th spot.
Miller wasn't the only Australian in action on Friday.
Queenslander Mike Jones, riding an Angel Nieto Team Ducati as an injury replacement, was the slowest MotoGP rider in 24th position.
Moto2 rider Remy Gardner (Tech 3 Racing), son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner, was shaken up in a nasty high-side crash and did not post a time in the first session.
But he was unhurt and was able to move from last place (32nd) to 26th after the afternoon session.
Western Australian Bryan Staring, an injury replacement with Tech 3 Racing, is 29th.
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