Sterilgarda Husqvarna’s John McPhee was in the mix from the outset after a shortened Moto3 Friday practice at Motegi.

Fifth in the standings on 1’57.585 pace after the only 40-minute session of the day, the Scotsman was pleased with the progress made on his Max Racing machine but regretting the lack of Ecstar track time after two years away from the Japanese circuit.

“First of all it is so nice to be back here in Japan and see so many fans,’ McPhee said on Friday. “It has been a good first day. I am enjoying the practice a lot and it is a shame that we have only one session today.

“We were able to have a solid session and found the direction we need to go, and that is good. I am fifth, not so far from the front, only two or three tenths and, as I said before, I'm happy for this first day here in Japan.”