Qatar MotoGP: Scott Redding talks about brilliant start

British rider Scott Redding has spoken of his delight at making a sensational start to his 125GP world championship career in Qatar tonight.

The 15-year-old Gloucester rookie finished third fastest in the opening 125 practice session under the Losail International Circuit’s floodlights, with British rider Bradley Smith quickest.

Blusens Aprilia rider Scott Redding had topped the timesheets until the closing stages and he said: “I’m pretty happy considering my leathers were really tight and I wasn’t that comfortable.

“It didn’t take me long to learn the circuit at the test and I’m surprised tonight because it seems quite grippy out there.

“The bike was working well and it is great to see my name up near the top.”

Redding is riding last year’s Aprilia machine with a 2008 kit but he said: “I’m really happy with the bike.

“I won’t be making too many changes for qualifying later. My bike is pretty fast, I slipstreamed Gabor Talmacsi and get behind him quite easily.

“But when I tried that at the test last week with Bradley he just pulled away from me easily.”