Japan's sole MotoGP representative Taka Nakagami is in the unenviable position of being top Honda after day one of practice at Jerez but is aiming for a direct route into qualifying two.

The Idemitsu-backed rider was fastest in the scorching second practice today and eighth in the morning's cooler, faster session so will have to say sharp to remain in the top ten which will also have in it his HRC stablemate Marc Marquez.

“I’m pretty happy with my feeling on the bike and have improved my riding style, so we’re ready for tomorrow," said Nakagami.

"But we need to pay attention in FP3 because you never know what can happen, everyone goes faster and faster, but we’ll do our best to stay inside the top 10.

“Then let’s see what happens in qualifying, we are quite competitive so this is a good sign for the race. Let’s keep pushing.”

It is unlikely that Cal Crutchlow will be pushing for a Q2 spot so Nakagami could be Honda's only hope as Alex Marquez is down in 15th and a further four-tenths back at a very tight and twisty track.