MOTOGP : Kenny It's been a long time.

[R1 Biker]

Team Roberts didn't even take part in last October's Qatar Grand Prix, after KTM withdrew engine support, but today America's most famous motorcycle racing family took the desert by storm - with Kenny Roberts Jr riding his father's new MotoGP machine to the top of the free practice timesheets at the 2006 event.

Steering the Honda powered, Michelin shod, KR211V in only its second grand prix, former 500cc World Champion Roberts became the fastest ever rider round the 3.343 mile Losail International Circuit - and pipped another big surprise of the opening day, rookie Casey Stoner, by just 0.006secs at the end of day one.

"It's been a long time for the team and for me but it feels good to be back at the top," smiled Kenny, whose last race victory came with Suzuki in 2000. "When you've got such a great engine and such great tyres then it comes easy to go fast.

"To be honest I felt I could have gone faster on my own but Loris Capirossi came out in front of me and it actually held me up a little. I set the time when I was behind him but I know we have the pace.

"Hopefully we can keep it going for the rest of the weekend because this team have been waiting too long for a top result and they deserve one. The other riders will improve tomorrow so we will have to be on our game again," warned KR Jr, whose father won three 500cc titles.

Final free practice and qualifying will take place at Qatar tomorrow, with the race on Saturday.