If you watched the races this weekend, you'd already know that we're in for an exciting season. This race had so many high and low points, we wouldnt be able to pick a favorite if you paid us. As the race began, we saw American Nicky Hayden shoot up to the lead pack all the way back from his 9th place grid position. His team mate, Casey Stoner, had nearly the opposite start. With a bog off the start, he had lost his position after dominating nearly every practice session. As the race progressed, we saw various sattelite riders crash, along with Casey Stoner. They'd like to think of it as the beginning of the season bugs, but I think us, the fan, are in for a season of some tight knit racing, where it really seems like anyone could win. The top four riders were only 1.8 seconds apart at the finish, and on a high speed track like Qatar, I think its pretty telling that the riders are truly on their game. It didnt come as a suprise to anyone, to see Rossi, Lorenzo, and Dovizioso out front for most of the race, but to have Nicky Hayden who has been struggling with the Ducati up there as well, was a welcome sight for most American Fans. Nicky stayed in a position to take a podium spot for nearly the entire race, getting edged out at the end by nearly a tenth of a second. We also cant forget, Ben Spies in his first race as a full time MotoGP Rider, finished 5th. Quite impressive!

Be sure to stay tuned for more results, write ups, and race reports as the season progresses.

FIM MotoGP World Championship
Losail International Circuit, Qatar
April 11, 2010
Race Results

1. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha), 22 laps, 42:50.099
2. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha), -1.022 seconds
3. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda), -1.865
4. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati), -1.876
5. Ben SPIES (Yamaha), -3.903
6. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda), -9.322
7. Dani PEDROSA (Honda), -16.508
8. Colin EDWARDS (Yamaha), -19.867
9. Loris CAPIROSSI (Suzuki), -20.893
10. Hiroshi AOYAMA (Honda), -21.100
11. Marco SIMONCELLI (Honda), -31.638
12. Hector BARBERA (Ducati), -32.573
13. Marco MELANDRI (Honda), -40.780
14. Alvaro BAUTISTA (Suzuki), -1 lap, DNF, crash
15. Aleix ESPARGARO (Ducati), -15 laps, DNF, crash
16. Casey STONER (Ducati), -17 laps, DNF, crash
17. Mika KALLIO (Ducati), -20 laps, DNF, crash