Yamaha set blistering pace at Sepang

"Overall it's been a really great test," said the Texan in a team statement after he and teammate Valentino Rossi topped the timesheets. "The bike is unbelievable, better than ever even with less power."

Edwards stunned his pit crew with a lap of 2:00.248 on the 800cc Yamaha, compared to Rossi's best of 2:00.793.

Ducati's Italian Loris Capirossi set the official race lap record of 2:02.127 at Sepang last year after Rossi took pole position in 2:00.605.

The top category has been reduced from 990cc to 800 this season.

"It was another really positive day for us, and I am so happy because the bike is feeling great," said Rossi, whose comments were a far cry from last year's troubled pre-season preparations.

"We've been pretty fast all week, quicker than during the January test and the long run today was faster too which is important," added the 27-year-old.

"I am sure that we can still improve in every area and now we have the chance to carry on like this in Qatar next week, where we will also have the first race in a month. Next week will be a very important test."

Rossi lost his MotoGP title last year to Honda's American Nicky Hayden.

The season starts in Qatar on March 10.