Pecco Bagnaia returned to direct Q2 entry at the Indonesian MotoGP round on Friday, achieving it for the first time since Assen. The Ducati rider linked the step forward to something he understood during the Japanese race, which gave him a better feel under braking and on corner entry. He made the top 10, ending a six-round run without direct passage to Q2.

The change arrives after a difficult spell for the double world champion. Since the summer break he has failed to finish at Silverstone, Aragon and Misano, while his results at Spielberg and Motegi were seventh and eighth respectively. In Indonesia, the improved feeling at corner entry allowed Bagnaia to complete more consecutive laps and build confidence on the Ducati.

Progress, with Aprilia still out of reach

Friday still brought a technical challenge. Bagnaia lost the front several times and had to move between two motorcycles running different set-ups. He did not disclose what was causing the problem, but said it would be addressed for the following day.

Bagnaia considered Aprilia too far ahead for the moment and identified sectors two and four as the areas where he was losing most of his potential. He also believes small changes to the Ducati can produce a much larger gain. A reduced lean angle had already improved some sectors, while the next plan was to combine changes to his riding with possible set-up work and the use of the same motorcycle.