Takahashi learning lines from predecessor Dovizioso

Preparing for their debut on the biggest stage, the MotoGP debutants are busy learning their lines for opening night in Qatar. That is the case for newcomer Yuki Takahashi, who chose an appropriate rider to whom to play understudy on the second night at Losail.

The Scot Racing rider´s former 250cc teammate and predecessor in the satellite squad, Andrea Dovizioso made an impressive debut to finish fourth at last years Grand Prix in Qatar. The Italian found time on Monday night to show the ropes to Takahashi, leaving the Japanese newcomer grateful for his help.

“I tried to do as many laps as possible to understand the bike; It was important to follow some more experienced riders to study the best line and I have to thank Andrea Dovizioso for this,” said Takahashi after a 65-lap marathon session on track.

"I'm still adapting to the RC212V, a completely new bike for me. It's normal that I need to do kilometres and get the feeling with the bike. At the beginning of the test session there was a lot of sand on track, then the conditions improved."

Takahashi’s fastest lap on Monday night was a time of 1’59.153, leaving him thirteenth quickest.