STARING'S TOUGH DEBUT IN MOTOGP

April 10, 2013 10:57 AM AEST

\nWhile he was hoping for the best in his first race in MotoGP, Australia's Bryan Staring has come away disappointed, crashing out of the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar on the second lap.

Riding an FTR-framed, Honda-engined CRT bike for the GO&FUN Honda Gresini team, Staring told motogp.com that he surprised himself with the pace achieved in pre-season testing, before going on to qualify 23rd for the Qatar race.

"I am disappointed because I didn't want to finish my MotoGP debut in this way," Staring explained. "We made progress throughout practice, but then I ruined it all with a stupid crash. I am disappointed for myself and for the team, who have helped me out so much. Hopefully I can make up for it in America."

In 2012, Staring competed in the Superstock 1000 series and celebrated three race victories en route to fourth place in the final championship standings.

image: motogp.com