Bradley Smith was the first British pole sitter for 36 years

But fellow Brit Scott Redding, 15, was fifth on his debut, with Danny Webb in sixth behind winner Sergio Gadea.

On Saturday, Oxfordshire teenager Smith, 17, became the first Briton to take a 125cc pole in 36 years.

But after a good start he encountered mechanical problems and dropped back through the field before rallying to finish just outside the points.

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Defending champion Gabor Talmacsi also had a disappointing day.

Having started from seventh place on the grid, Smith's fellow Aprilia rider finished the day in 12th place.

Qatar 125cc Grand Prix result:
1 S Gadea (Sp) Aprilia 38 mins 09.444 secs
2 J Olive (Sp) Derbi 38:10.376
3 S Bradl (Ger) Aprilia 38:11.104
4 M Di Meglio (Fr) Derbi 38:11.215
5 S Redding (GB) Aprilia 38:11.263
6 D Webb (GB) Aprilia 38:17.133