Mashel al Naimi, Qatar's first MotoGP series rider, spent most of the first official test in Spain adapting to the Moto 2 prototype.

Al Naimi and Colombian Yonni Hernandez were the last two riders, signed by Bluesens-STX, to join the Moto 2 grid, raising the number of riders to 39. The three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo was held on February 17 to 19.

The Moto2 is a new class which has replaced 250cc class in the MotoGP series this year. The field is quite attractive, having 125cc world champions and four world series runners-up.

The Moto2 four-stroke machine will have 600cc. The engines will be provided by Honda while the tires are being supplied by Dunlop. There will be limited use of electronics but riders may use any chasis. Besides, the bikes will be fitted with steel brakes, instead of carbon brakes.

Rain washed out most of the action on the first and third days. However, the Qatari rider was busy learning about the new bike.

The Qatar International Road Racing Championship winner said the test was very useful for him, providing him the first feel of the forthcoming competition and the bike under pressure to perform.

"My chief aim was to make myself familiar with the bike. So I used most of the test time adapting to it," said al Naimi, whose best was the 13th fastest time on the second day when the sun was in full glow.

Al Naimi has been using faster and stronger bikes for a long time. So the 26-year-old said he would take some time before he could strike a good rhythm with the machine.

"For about 10 years, I've been riding 1000cc bikes. So in the beginning, I felt a bit uncomfortable in picking speed. But very soon, I will start getting along well with it," added al Naimi, who also has been a part of the Qatar's world endurance superstock title winning team for two years.

Talking about the test, al Naimi said: "On the first day, rain did not allow us much time on the track. The second day was satisfactory for me as I turned in the 13th quickest time. But on the last day, rain again spoilt the first session. Later on, the clouds broke up and we put in some useful laps," added the Qatari rider, who wound up with the 20th best time.

"I've not been able to spend much time with the bike. But I'm sure to get better and stronger before the opening race in Qatar. I'm quite excited about racing at home. I'm grateful to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and President Nasser bin Khalifa al Attiya for helping me realise my dream to race in the MotoGP. I'm preparing well and expect to do my best at my home track," added al Naimi.

Julian Simon (Mapfre Aspar Team), Shoya Tomizawa (Technomag CIP) and Yuki Takahashi (Tech 3 Racing) were the fastest, clocking 1:49.3.

The riders will again gather for another test in Valencia on March 1 to 3.

The season opening race will be held in Qatar on April 11.