Qatar crash hits Scott Redding's hopes in Moto2 opener

Scott Redding's next Moto 2 date will be in Spain at Jerez on 1 April

Gloucestershire's Scott Redding began his Moto2 2011 campaign in poor fashion with a 31st-placed finish in Qatar.

The 18-year-old went into the season's opening race in buoyant mood.

But, having qualified in 10th spot, his hopes were hit by a poor start and a second-lap crash on the second corner at the Losail International Circuit.

The Quedgeley-born rider, who finished eighth in Moto2 in 2010, broke his left footpeg, as well as damaging the left handlebar in the crash.

"I'm really disappointed," Redding told the Marc VDS Racing official website. "This wasn't the way I expected to start the season at all.

"The new chassis we're running this year has improved the rear traction a lot, but I haven't found a good feeling with the front yet.

"The front is a bit too unpredictable at the moment, so I never really know when I'm going to have a problem. I was pushing into the second corner and, without any warning, I lost the front.

It's unusual to see Scott make a mistake so early in the race

Michael Bartholemy, team manager

"It is always good to start the season with some good results to build up confidence and I am convinced we will bounce back in Jerez.

"I was fast at the test recently and, hopefully, I'll be able to show much more of what I'm capable of."

Germany's Stefan Bradl won from pole, with Italian Andrea Iannone second and Thomas Luthi of Switzerland in third.

Redding's team manager Michael Bartholemy said: "Scott did well to finish the race with no left footpeg and, despite this problem, he was lapping quicker than some of the riders in front of him.

"It's unusual to see Scott make a mistake so early in the race. We need to identify the causes of the crash ahead of the next race in Jerez, where we know he is competitive."

Redding took more than half a second off the lap record in a recent test at the Spanish circuit, which will host the second round of the championship on the weekend of 1-3 April.

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