CHIPPENHAM’S Danny Kent was left frustrated that he couldn’t convert a strong grid position into more points at the Moto2 season opener in Qatar at the weekend.

Poor weather saw Saturday’s qualifying session scrapped, with Kent, now riding for Kiefer Racing, being handed a sixth-place starting position based on his combined free practice times from Friday.

The 23-year-old started the race well but a change to his machine pre-race appeared to have a detrimental effect and from the halfway point is was clear that Kent was suffering under braking.

However, Kent was able to hang on to claim 13th spot and three championship points on his first outing for his new team, having ridden for Leopard Racing last year, who have returned to Moto3.

"Honestly, this result did not meet my expectations when you go from sixth on the grid,” he said.

“Before the race, we made a change to the bike. Apparently we have taken it the wrong way.

“During the first laps, with a full tank, the situation was still in order. The extra weight had a positive effect on the behaviour of the front under hard braking.

“However, with the distance and as the bike was getting lighter, I got encountered increasing problems.

“It was shifting less weight forward, so at several times, the front wheel would almost collapse.

"Of course, it was of little help that several sessions failed in the course of the weekend (due to the weather), which was also the case with the official test a week prior.

“In addition, we were driving the first race with a completely new bike.

“I am satisfied with the points but overall, a little disappointed all things considered.

“The fact is that we must significantly improve in some areas before the next race in Argentina."