Stunning start for Brit Toseland

Yorkshireman James Toseland proved that he can mix it with the world’s leading motorcycle racing contenders after finishing a solid sixth in his MotoGP debut at the Losail circuit in Qatar today. Reigning champion Casey Stoner secured the victory ahead of rookie Jorge Lorenzo and Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.

James got a strong start to the 22-lap race – taking second place into turn one from second position on the grid. A thrilling battle with Lorenzo at the beginning of the second lap saw the two Yamahas swap paint and the 27-year-old Brit retain the advantage. However, the Tech 3 Yamaha was unable to match the top speed of the two factory machines with Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi passing him at the start of lap three.

Further overtaking manoeuvres from Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso relegated James to sixth position, which he maintained until the chequered flag. Remaining determined and focussed until the very end, the current World Superbike Champion even looked close to a last lap attempt to pass the more experienced Rossi just ahead of the finish line.

“I’m really happy to finish sixth in my first race,” said an exhausted James. “It was hard work but it was a great learning experience to be in the middle of a race situation with riders that I’ve only been out on a track with for qualifying and practice sessions. There are still better things to come from the Tech 3 Yamaha and when we get the new engine that Rossi and Lorenzo are using, I’m confident that I can be even more competitive. The most important thing is that I’ve completed my first GP – to have finished in the top six is just a bonus.”

Race result:
1. C. Stoner
2 J. Lorenzo
3. D. Pedrosa
4. A. Dovizioso
5. V. Rossi
6. J. Toseland
7. C. Edwards
8. L. Capirossi
9. R. De Puniet
10. N. Hayden

Championship standings after round one:
1. C. Stoner
2 J. Lorenzo
3. D. Pedrosa
4. A. Dovizioso
5. V. Rossi
6. J. Toseland
7. C. Edwards
8. L. Capirossi
9. R. De Puniet
10. N. Hayden


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