Alright, I’m really excited now. I love motorbike racing, and it’s exciting even at the worst of times. But when there are Brits doing well, I start to lose control.

Bradley Smith is on pole for the 125cc race in Qatar. I’m so excited, I almost want to cry. It’s ridiculous, I know, but this feels like it could be the start of an amazing year for Smith. He’s on a top bike, he’s got a bit of experience now, and it just seems like the planets are aligned, or some other spiritual toss. I can’t wait for the race later this afternoon. Literally.

Then James Toseland is starting from second for the MotoGP race. He has no right to be doing so well so soon. But clearly Yamaha and Michelin is the combination to have, with Lorenzo – the only factory rider with that combination – on pole, and Toseland’s teammate Edwards on third. Rossi’s down in 7th, proving that – so far – he was a spanner to change to Bridgestone tyres. Serves him right if you ask me.

Stoner’s 4th looks excellent when the next Ducati is down in 14th. Are people still going to try to insist that it was the bike that got him the championship last year? He’s clearly the shit. Randy de Puniet on the LCR Honda in 5th is a shock – how the hell is he the top Honda? The factory Hondas are in 6th (Hayden) and 8th (Pedrosa), which isn’t a bad start to the year. Unlike Kawasaki and Suzuki, in 10th and 18th, and 11th and 13th respectively. Not what I was expecting from them at all.

But it’s the first race of the year, and a night race at that. There’s no reason to think it’s going to be representative of the season as a whole. I’m still fucking excited though.