Johann Zarco has discovered a direction with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16 following the opening day of the MotoGP testing at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The Frenchman was able to put two days of private testing at the venue to do good use earlier this week, confirming the set-up that he wants to pursue in the next two days of the official grand prix test.

Zarco, still in the early stages of his transition to the Austrian manufacturer, completed the opening day 20th on the timesheets, mentioning his feeling on the RC16 had dramatically improved.

“This morning I had a nice feeling and things were coming easy because we’d had two days of private testing,” Zarco explained. “We confirmed things on the bike and confirmed feelings instead of making big changes.

“It is a ‘long’ work and that’s why there is not big improvements all the time but compared to November when I started I had much more control and I can give clearer information. I’m positive because I know where we want to go. I trust the bike more and more.”

The number five returns to the circuit today for day two of three in the Malaysian test. The opening day was topped by reigning world champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), followed by Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Maverick Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).