Petronas Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo called Assen the “toughest circuit” he has ridden a MotoGP bike at, but insists he is happy after ending the opening day of free practice second fastest overall.

Fresh from his first MotoGP podium, the Frenchman wasted little time in backing up his podium by topping the opening session. Maverick Vinales hit back in the afternoon, with Quartararo settling for second place in the second session.

Quartararo, who is still recovering from arm-pump surgery from before the Catalan Grand Prix expressed how difficult he was finding the Dutch circuit physically.

“Today was a positive day even though I think it’s the toughest circuit of all those I’ve ridden at with a MotoGP bike so far, with a lot of quick changes of direction,” said the Frenchman.

“In the afternoon we tried some small changes to the set-up and also put on used tyres in the afternoon, and the pace didn’t change.

“It was a good first day at Assen, so for tomorrow I hope to be on the front two rows and find out which tyre we will use in the race during FP4.”