Qatar MotoGP: Bautista amazed to beat Open rivals in qualifying

The Spaniard will start Sunday's season-opener from second, having held top spot until the final seconds, when Marc Marquez edged ahead by just five hundredths of a second.

Rather than disappointment at missing out, Bautista said a front row had exceeded his expectations given the pace of his Open rivals, particularly Aleix Espargaro.

Under this year's rules, Open bikes can use a softer compound rear tyre, which proved a significant benefit in the build up to qualifying.

"During practice we saw all the Open class riders, with the softer compound, at the front," Bautista said.

"We expected maybe the first row would be just for them.

"In the end though Aleix crashed twice - maybe he pushed too hard. He could have been front row.

"For me [second] is like pole because we have struggled a lot here in the past also.

"Marc was strong enough to take it, but I've been feeling very comfortable on the bike all weekend so it's been a very good start for me."

After also finishing the 2013 season strongly - he finished in the top five in the last five races - Bautista said he hopes his qualifying showing will set the tone for the rest of 2014.

"Last year we ended the championship fighting with the top guys, and also during the winter we've been so competitive," he added.

"That means the work we are doing, especially with the suspension, is coming really good. I feel better every time I go on the bike.

"I hope this is the normal result for the rest of the year."