Australian Casey Stoner began the defence of his MotoGP crown with victory in the opening race of the season, under floodlights in Qatar.

Britain's James Toseland finished sixth in his MotoGP debut after moving from Superbikes at the end of last season.

Mixed Fortunes for Brits in 125

British debutant Bradley Smith failed to capitalise on his pole position, finishing 16th in the 125cc race at the Qatar Grand Prix.
But 15-year-old Scott Redding finished fifth, with fellow Brit Danny Webb sixth behind winner Sergio Gadea.

Smith, 17 from Oxfordshire, on Saturday became the first Briton to take a 125cc pole in 36 years.

alf

Just wached it Good coverage on BBC3. Good show by Toseland he certainly was holding his own in fact i thought he was quicker through the twisty bits but was loosing ground on the pit straight.
Bit apprehensive about racing under floodlights What happens if there's power cut? Seen it happen at footie matches.Generators can't bang in that quick

Thanks you just ruined it for me... Please don't put the result up on the "Subject" within hours of it happening. Now i've got to watch LEWIS!!!!

What possible reason can there be for running the race in the middle of the night, local time? The waste of electricty seems irresponsible.
Good to see the newcomers doing so well though.
Rob

I am baffled about the carbon footprint "thingyness" of all those
lights! They kept on about lighting up 70 football pitches or
3000 houses. How was this power provided? Was there a
techno explanation missing? Some green solution?
I have to admit it did look pretty good.
being an old git I was also blown away by the idea
of computerised systems limiting fuel late on in a
race if necessary. Couldn't help wondering what
Mr Hailwood et al would make of it!

Fell asleep watching it.

Give me World Superbikes or British Superbikes anyday.