Bagnaia returns to the points, not yet the lead group

Francesco Bagnaia recovered a weekend that began away from the front. Forced into Q1, he set exactly the same best time as Johann Zarco and advanced to Q2 before taking seventh on the grid. Sixth in the Sprint, 5.142 seconds behind the winner, he scored five points and finished six tenths behind Alex Marquez.

After his Misano difficulties, the progress matters, but it does not yet return Bagnaia to the victory fight. Martin passed him early and he could not match the three title contenders or Ogura. Sunday will show whether the medium rear and a longer race bring the number 63 Ducati closer to the podium, or whether sixth currently reflects his true level at Spielberg.