Francesco Bagnaia is well and truly back.
Expected as Fabio Quartararo's number 1 competitor this season, the Italian driver took pole position in the French Grand Prix this Saturday.
His second in a row after Jerez (Spain), where he had won his first success of the year.
On the Bugatti circuit of Le Mans, where Ducati had never won pole in the premier class, the Italian again improved the lap record (1'30.450) and is ahead of his teammate Jack Miller, winner here in 2021.
Both on the podium behind the Australian last year, Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco will start on the second row.
A time at the head of Q2 in front of Bagnaia, the world champion (4th) finally fails behind the Ducati and the Aprilia of Aleix Espargaro.
Two rows behind (6th), Johann Zarco, who had set a new lap record this Saturday morning, will start from the pits this Sunday (2 p.m.).