Ten Kate Honda back on the pace in Qatar

After a nightmare in Phillip Island, the Ten Kate Honda squad have bounced back to form with all three riders in the top five at the end of first qualifying in Qatar.

Britain’s Jonathan Rea leads the way in second, with Carlos Checa third and Ryuichi Kiyonari fifth.

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In Australia Checa was struggling with a shoulder injury following a testing crash, but is now fit and at a track where his Honda is clearly working well.

Kiyonari suffered a nightmare last time out after been wiped out by Ruben Xaus in race one. Like Checa, Kiyonari has a point to prove and is showing the potential to be a contender this weekend.

Speaking to MCN, team boss Ronald Ten Kate said:“I’m glad that Phillip Island is behind us because it was frustrating for all of us.

“When we debriefed after the race we could see that although the results did not come there was no reason to hit the panic button. No we are all out to prove what we can really do.

“Carlos has some new parts and Jonathan has a small update too. Kiyo does not have anything new but his riding style is different anyway.

“Kiyo is not a big fan of the track but whether he likes the place or not doesn’t really reflect in his result. He didn’t like Brands Hatch last year and he won both races.”