Image: Supplied.

CIP Green Power’s Joel Kelso commenced his first full Moto3 World Championship campaign under the twilight in Qatar, an inspiring race-pace a positive in helping the Australian score a point to open his 2022 account.

Kelso, 18, showed flashes of speed throughout the first round of the season, finishing in the top five in FP3, before a challenging qualifying saw the KTM rider line up in 17th.

During the 18-lap season-opener, Kelso was involved in a five-rider battle for 12th position and ultimately crossed the line in 15th, now looking to build upon those encouraging signs and set-up found at Lusail.

“We had some difficulties at the beginning of the weekend, a new track and we had a little bit of trouble setting up the bike, but the team worked really hard,” Kelso recalled.

“We were able to find a good set-up to have a good race-pace. Overall, I’m happy to score one point, to start from scratch and get to this point. Thanks to the team and let’s continue like this in Indonesia.”

The next outing for Kelso in the world championship comes at the new Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia on 18-20 March. Like Lusail, it’s a track the number 66 has not previously ridden, but this time will have the benefit that none of his championship rivals has completed laps around the venue either.