MarcVDS Moto2 man Scott Redding is full of fight ahead of this weekend MotoGP season opener in Qatar and, after his performances in pre-season testing, is expecting to be fighting for top-five positions.

It will be the first time the Gloucestershire mop-top has raced his the new Kalex-chassied machine but he says a more measured approach to the first round is required and he won't be trying to win each practice session.

"I've been thinking about Qatar since the Valencia race last year! Preseason testing went well, but testing isn't racing, and I can't wait to get back out there and battling this weekend. I want to start the season on a high, which for me would be a top five or top six finish this weekend," said Redding.

"Last year we had a DNF in the first race, which did us no favours, and we can't afford the same this time around. In the past I've gone flat out from the first second of the first session, but this year I'll be taking it a bit easier, building up the speed in practice so that we're fast when it counts; in qualifying. Saying that, the first session can't come quick enough for me now. I love riding this bike!"

Read the eight-page MotoGP season preview in bikesportnews.com, on sale tomorrow morning