Race report

Scott makes impressive debut in Qatar

The 21-year-old MotoGP rookie got a good start and stalked former World Champion Nicky Hayden for much of the race, before making his move and passing the American.

Losail, Qatar - Scott Redding marked his MotoGP debut and his 100th Grand Prix appearance with an impressive ride to seventh place tonight in Qatar.

Scott Redding, Go & Fun Honda Gresini

Photo by: Bridgestone Corporation

The 21-year-old MotoGP rookie got a good start and stalked former World Champion Nicky Hayden for much of the race, before making his move and passing the American. Scott was running in tenth position, but was elevated up the order as riders crashed out in front of him, eventually finishing a creditable seventh and top rookie.

Scott Redding (7th): "I am very satisfied, as I was expecting to be able to follow Nicky Hayden for only a few laps and, although he was the target, I wasn’t really expecting to beat him! In the first laps I wanted to take maximum advantage of the soft tyre and I was pretty aggressive with the passes. I got through on Nicky and thought I’d got away from him, but then he came back at me. But I knew I was faster than him, so I waited until two laps from the end before making a move, retaking the place and then holding him off to the finish. Tonight we achieved our goal; to be the first open class Honda home, so I’m pleased with that.”