Scott Redding sets his sights high for Moto2 campaign

Redding will ride alongside Mika Kallio for Marc VDS Racing this season

Moto2 rider Scott Redding has set himself the target of a top-three finish in the 2011 season, which opens under lights in Qatar on Sunday.

The 18-year-old finished eighth in the 2010 standings but plans to make a bigger impact this time around.

"It would be astounding for me to win the Championship but I think top five, top three would be a great result," Redding told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"But every race we'll be pushing to do the best we can do."

Redding tuned up for the 18-race season by setting a lap record in winter testing in Jerez and has been working hard on his stamina for the hotter races, which he conceded was a weakness last year.

That debut campaign in Moto2 with Marc VDS Racing started slowly, with a 23rd-place finish in Qatar and lowly placings in subsequent races.

But a fourth spot in his home Grand Prix at Silverstone in June showed what he was capable of and podium finishes followed in Indianapolis and Australia.

"Hopefully I can start this season how I finished the last one. Be competitive and really consistent and I really like Qatar," he added.

"It has so much atmosphere from not a lot of people. It's strange. You either love it or you hate it.

"I really like it as it's a night race, something different, and the track's real slow and well looked after and with 42 Moto2 riders going for it under lights it should be spectacular."

Redding will sport an unusual look at the Losail International Circuit, including dyed red hair and a specially designed helmet all in the name of Comic Relief.

"We had a think about it and decided that a Red Nose helmet would be a good idea," he explained.

"It will be instantly recognisable on track, which I hope will persuade people to donate to Comic Relief, and we will auction it after the race to raise more money for what is an extremely worthwhile cause."

You can watch all Moto2 qualifying sessions and races throughout the 2011 season on the BBC Red Button.