Aoyama qualifies as highest placed rookie

Hiroshi Aoyama took a huge step forward in the qualifying session at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on Saturday evening, placing himself 10th on the starting grid for his first ever MotoGP race.

The 250cc World Champion had struggled for feeling with his RC212V machine in the two practice sessions, but made a vast improvement to ensure he will be the highest placed rookie when the riders line up for Sunday’s race.

“In free practice I was not satisfied, but I had a better feeling than Friday because of the changes we made with the set-up,” he said. “The path we are on is definitely a good one and the fact I could qualify for 10th place today is more than I expected after the two practice sessions.”

He added: “I don't know what the race will be like, because I have never ridden in a MotoGP race before, but I am happy I finished my first MotoGP qualifying session as the best rookie and inside the top 10.”