Stoner lights up Qatar!

Casey Stoner started his title defence in the best possible way, with a stunning win under lights in Qatar. The world champion started from fourth on the grid (the first time in MotoGP that he hasn't started from the front row) and dropped to fifth before charging through to set up a stirring battle with Fiat Yamaha team mates, Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. Lorenzo, who qualified on pole in his debut MotoGP race, proved to be the most difficult obstacle between Stoner and his eleventh MotoGP win, but by the eighth lap Stoner was in control and, little by little, opened out an unbeatable 5+ second gap. Rossi had a great duel with Andrea Dovizioso (JiR Scot Honda) late in the race. The rookie took on the Italian champ and beat him for fourth place! James Toseland (Tech 3 Yamaha) was also impressive on debut. Neither Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki), nor Anthony West (Team Kawasaki) figured in the race. Both qualified outside the top ten and struggled through the race, Vermeulen with front tyre problems, while West is still coming to grips with the 2008-spec ZX-RR.

MotoGP - Rd. 1
1. C.Stoner Ducati 42'36.587
2. J. Lorenzo Yamaha + 5.323
3. D. Pedrosa Honda + 10.600
4. A. Dovizioso Honda + 13.288
5. V. Rossi Yamaha + 13.305
6. J. Toseland Yamaha + 14.040
7. C. Edwards Yamaha + 15.150
8. L. Capirossi Suzuki + 32.505
9. R. De Puniet Honda + 33.003
10. N. Hayden Honda + 38.354