Championship leader Marc Marquez is happy with his Repsol Honda's speed, despite being beaten into second place in Friday's second free practice for the Australian MotoGP.
Marquez was quickest around the Phillip Island circuit in the opening practice session, but Aprilia Racing Team's Aleix Esparago edged his Spanish compatriot into second by just 0.005 seconds in the afternoon.
Marquez had claimed his third world title by the time he reached Australia last year, but is in a dogfight with Ducati Team's Andrea Dovizioso this time around.
The Italian is just 11 points behind Marquez with three races to go and is well placed heading into Saturday with the third-fastest time.
"Of course, I wish it was like last year - when you are champion with still three races to go, you can relax," Marquez said.
"But in a championship (fight) like this, you learn many things. You learn to manage the pressure and I feel comfortable at the moment.
"We're quite happy, the weather was a little bit windy, but the base set-up of the bike was not bad today.
"Phillip Island is one of my favourite circuits and I'm enjoying the battle."
Top local hope Jack Miller made a stunning return to the track, posting top-10 times in each session, the Queenslander third in the morning and sixth in the afternoon.
Miller broke his leg in a training accident near his European base in Andorra. He is racing with a plate and eight screws inserted just below his right knee.
"It was a good first day for me on the island ... the leg is pretty stiff but I feel pretty happy," Miller said.
"I'm comfortable on the bike - when I'm riding, I don't really feel it too much, but I just don't quite have the power that I need in the right leg.
"Apart from that, it's very good and I'm just looking forward to qualifying."
Broc Parkes, the only other Australian on the grid, put up the slowest time in both sessions in his first ride on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
The 35-year-old from NSW was a late injury replacement for German Jonas Folger.
Riders will have the opportunity to improve on their times during a third practice session on Saturday morning before qualifying in the afternoon.
In Moto2 practice, Australian rider Remy Gardner crashed out early in the first session, but was able to return to post the 24th-fastest time and was able to improve to 19th in the second session.
Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) put in a blistering performance and was clearly the quickest rider in both runs.
Sky Racing Team VR46's Nicolo Bulega topped the standings in opening Moto3 practice, while championship leader Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) was quickest in the afternoon session.
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