With just two more days of testing, and less than two weeks to the first race, Ferrari technical director Pat Fry admits the Maranello outfit is in reasonable shape but still has much work to do.

As far as reliability is concerned, the final test has got off to a good start, with the F2012 completing 230 laps (665.2 miles) on the opening two days, and Fernando Alonso also managing to complete a Grand Prix simulation, including pit stops.

"We ran a mix of used Softs and Mediums for the simulation and now we must analyse the data in detail to understand where we are compared to the others," said Pat Fry at the conclusion of today's session. "Initial impressions suggest the difference between one stint and another can be put down to the normal difference between tyres that have done different mileages: some show significant degradation, others less."

Some aerodynamic updates, mainly to the front wing, were evaluated, comparing them to previous versions. "There will be other new components coming on the car for the final two days," said Fry, "and then we will try and put together the best from every configuration for the first race."

The Englishman did not hide the difficult task the team faced in developing the car. "We started off with an exhaust system configuration that was particularly aggressive, but after last week's test, it was clear this solution still required a lot of development before it could be used in a race. We opted for a more conventional configuration.

"Obviously, having developed the car to suit this innovative exhaust concept, now we must re-optimise everything in just the few days left before Australia. There aren't major differences between the two systems in terms of performance, but we really need to analyse everything in detail."

"I think we can say we are in reasonable shape," he continued. "Sure, you always try and be half a second quicker than everyone, knowing you are lapping constantly with 60 kilos of fuel on board. Clearly, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but all we can do is keep pushing on this front."