Reigning world MotoGP champion Casey Stoner picked up a nice illuminated trophy at the weekend for winning the first-ever MotoGP night race. The Australian rode a stunning race on the Ducati, winning by an ominous five seconds.

It was the rookies, however, who surprised under the floodlights. Jorge Lorenzo took pole on his Yamaha and battled hard on his debut with Valentino Rossi before claiming second, and Andrea Dovizioso took fourth (just behind Dani Pedrosa) after sliding his Honda underneath Rossi on the last lap.

Doncaster's James Toseland made it three rookies in the top six, finishing just behind Rossi.

In the 125cc race, Bradley Smith grabbed pole position - the first Briton to take a 125cc pole in 36 years - but dropped down to 16th in the race after mechanical troubles. But fellow Brit Scott Redding finished a remarkable fifth on his debut (not bad for a 15 year old) while Danny Webb came home sixth.

2008 Qatar MotoGP result

1. C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 42:36.587
2. J Lorenzo (Sp) Yamaha at 5.323
3. D Pedrosa (Sp) Honda 10.600
4. A Dovizioso (It) Honda 13.288
5. V Rossi (It) Yamaha 13.305
6. J Toseland (GB) Yamaha 14.040
7. C Edwards (USA) Yamaha 15.150
8. L Capirossi (It) Suzuki 32.505
9. R de Puniet (F) Honda 33.003
10. N Hayden (USA) Honda 38.354