Pramac Ducati satellite MotoGP rider Pecco Bagnaia admitted that he is concerned by the high tyre wear on his Desmosedici after finishing the opening day of free practice fifth fastest at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The Italian went under the radar until a series of blistering late laps on soft Michelin tyres propelled him inside the top five and in a net Q2 spot. Despite his laps on soft tyres, Bagnaia is concerned about tyre life.

“I’m satisfied with today,” said the 22-year-old.

“We had some problems in the first part of the session until we decided to fit the new soft front and rear tyres.

“In fact, I felt something strange. So we have to understand why and try to make the right decision for tomorrow. This is a track where tyres wear out a lot after six or seven laps, so you have to find the right balance.”

Despite sitting in the top five and a net Q2 spot, the Ducati man isn’t resting on his laurels, although firmly shifting his attention to Saturday.

“We’ll have to make the right choice with the tyres,” he said. “After having fitted the two softs, I found the Ducati I was used to.

“My goal for tomorrow afternoon will be to hook up to Q2 and try to start in the first three rows.”