Scott Redding took a big step forward with his Go&Fun production Honda at MotoGP Indianapolis, getting into qualifying two for the first time and battling with the works Ducati of Cal Crutchlow for a good portion of Sunday’s encounter, only losing out by a second at the flag.

Redding has returned from the summer break fully charged and full of confidence while it was the same old story for Crutchlow. He is still unable to make the GP14 turn and has isn’t able to make any kind of headway in the opening laps of any session including the race.

With the retirement of Aleix Espargaro, who was nerfed by Stefan Bradl, Redding also got into Parc Ferme for the first time as the leading Open class rider.

“It’s been really good, we managed to make a step forward from the summer break with riding, feeling and confidence and it was proven in the race. I was consistently fast all weekend. Aoyama was there for a few laps but dropped off and I was there with Crutchlow all race,” said Redding, speaking at the track.

“We fought a little bit but we lost time overtaking each other so I sat behind him for a little bit. Of course, I had to catch him after every straight so I was pushing quite hard to stay with him. I had to be on his rear wheel coming on to the straight because if I gave him any more time, it was hard to make up.

“I’m really happy to have been in Parc Ferme, I know Aleix crashed but it was a good job by us. In Brno, we need to be consistently fast like we have been all weekend. I want to get my teeth into those guys.

“It will be hard at Brno as it is a bit of a Yamaha track but because I am a bit bigger I can change direction a bit faster. It hasn’t been one of my favourites in the past but I think I will enjoy it a lot.”