Special boat ride for stars on pre-race Thursday in Qatar

The final day before the start of the 2010 MotoGP season saw seven World Championship riders enjoy a trip in a traditional wooden Dhow boat, as MotoGP stars Nicky Hayden, Loris Capirossi and Héctor Barberá, Moto2 riders Kenny Noyes and Mashel Al Naimi, and 125cc title hopefuls Marc Márquez and Pol Espargaró all took in the fantastic Doha skyline ahead of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.

Stopping off at the Islamic Museum in Doha, the riders posed for photographs in front of the Qatar skyline following their voyage on the Dhow boat, which was used by pearl collectors in the past.

It was a fitting start to the Grand Prix event, in which Rizla Suzuki rider Capirossi will start a landmark 300th Grand Prix, whilst Barberá (Páginas Amarillas Aspar) and Hayden were also both in excited moods as the action gets even closer. Ducati Marlboro man Hayden explained his aim for the season, and said he is “still not as close to the frontrunners as I want to be, but am happier going into the race. Last year’s 13th was not good enough, but I’m more confident now”.

American Kenny Noyes of the Jack&Jones by Antonio Banderas team, who will make his World Championship debut in the Moto2 race on Sunday, was also in good form. Noyes expressed his enthusiasm at the challenge of racing at night, and fellow rookie Al Naimi (Blusens-STX) was also present as he enjoyed the sights of his home city, the capital of Qatar.

Eighth-litre stars Márquez (Red Bull Ajo Motorsport) and Espargaró (Tuenti Racing) expressed their thoughts on the season, and aside from preparing to battle one another for the 125cc title they both explained how they expect the chase for the crown to go, with Sandro Cortese, Nico Terol and Bradley Smith all viewed as rivals.

The opening practice of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar is the 125cc session, which commences at 8pm local time on Friday evening.