The Ducati rider escaped serious injury on the opening lap of last week's Catalan GP after a huge highside before his leg was run over by KTM's Brad Binder.
The championship leader suffered extensive bruising and is still undergoing physiotherapy, but rode on Friday, finishing 20th in FP1 and seventh in the afternoon’s session.
Bagnaia said the morning’s running was “more tough,” but an adjustment to his rear brake lever helped him improve for second practice to go straight to Q2.
Asked whether he felt better or worse than he had thought, he said: “I was hoping more that I was feeling better this morning, because honestly, I can’t move the foot because I feel pain from the haematoma.
“This morning was more tough because I wasn’t understanding where to put the foot. This afternoon, we moved the rear brake lever because I was pushing on the rear brake lever and losing the rear in all the fast corners and it was quite scary.
“But this afternoon I understand where to put the foot, where I can’t lean like usual, but we did a good step in front.
“The pain is quite intense but I feel a bit better compared to this morning, because we were competitive, and this is something which also helps a lot, but let’s see.
Source: Autosport