Finally... the 2010 MotoGP season has begun!

The first free practice sessions have concluded under the lights at Qatar. The eagerly awaited Moto2 class had a very drama-free session with only one mechanical issue out of the 3,468 bikes on track. I jest!!! But WOW!! are there a lot of riders out there?!?! Another FP session tomorrow, followed by qualifying and then we finally get to the meat of the action on Sunday.

The big boys came out to play today too. Although not quite as uneventful as the Moto2 session, everyone seemed in good form and beyond ready to start the season. Casey Stoner topped the boards followed by Jorge Lorenzo - who smacked down a righteous time before duffing the bike in the last few minutes of the session - and Valentino Rossi, who dropped his own proverbial hammer.... without the wipe-out.

Rookies Ben Spies, Alvaro Bautista and Hector Barbera all ended up in the top ten today - rock on fresh meat!! It's going to be a good year indeed.

Bikes and riders all looked to be in top form for the debut. Loris Capirossi was an unfortunate victim of a rather high-speed low-side, but handled it like the veteran he is. The cameras cut to a shot of his wife, Ingrid, in the garage as Loris was tobogganing into the gravel pit. She, much like Loris, is such an old-hand at the sport she didn't even bat an eye, but rather gave an almost disgruntled look - as though she had just caught him walking in the house wearing muddy shoes. Classic!

The only eyebrow raised so far (for me) is at Pramac Ducati. I have NOTHING but respect for Ducati as they are a staple in the racing community, maintain top talent to jockey their uber-fast machines, and support their racers with everything they can muster - that being said... the day-glo lime(ish) green paint scheme - not the most aesthetically pleasing livery. I understand the color choice was to celebrate "going green" which is, in a word, awesome. But there are so many alternative shades of green that could shout their "green initiative" without looking like a safety vest rocketing around the circuit at 200MPH.

Again, Ducati, NOTHING but repsect.... but I'll be eagerly awaiting a new paint scheme :)

Okay, off to assure the beer is at optimal temperature for viewing the inaugural race of 2010 - this will require testing, lots of testing.....

Until next time,

Rubb'er Down!!!!

Kristen