Disappointment at Donington

The hopes of tens of thousands of MotoGP fans, who had gathered at Donington Park, came crashing down today when misfortune struck on the opening lap for British contender James Toseland. The 27-year-old was determined to get a strong start from the grid after he qualified in a lowly 16th place as a result of wet weather and difficult track conditions yesterday.

The Yorkshireman had picked up several places but gathered too much speed, causing him to run too hot into the first corner at the Leicestershire circuit. The early mistake resulted in a high-side and Toseland was thrown from the Tech 3 Yamaha. Determined not to disappoint fans even further, the Isle of Man resident bravely re-mounted to pass the chequered flag.

Toseland injured his left hand during the accident as he karate chopped the tarmac on the way down and sustained an injury to his neck when the tyre of his bike contacted with him. He was lapped by many riders in the field but refused to admit defeat, despite missing the right footpeg and being forced to balance his foot on the exhaust, making it difficult to use the back brake.

A warm reception from the home crowd as he returned to the Tech 3 Yamaha garage was the reward for his efforts as they gathered to welcome him back and offer their consolation messages.

Toseland was visibly disappointed at the result: “Today was possibly the most disappointing day of my life,” he said, “because I have let everybody down. When I crashed I had two choices: to go back to the garage or to finish 30 laps and a lot of people had come here to see me ride 30 laps, so I did it for them.

“ There was nobody and nothing to blame for the incident except over-exuberance at the first turn, but the British weather has not been good to us and yesterday’s rain made it very difficult for us to find the right set-up for the bike. When you start from 16th place on the grid you either ride around at the back of the field or go for it and it’s in my nature to always give it 100 per cent, so I went for it.”

James and the Tech 3 Yamaha team now head to Assen for round nine of the championship next weekend. They are hoping for better luck in Saturday’s race.

Keep up to date with all James Toseland news at www.jamestoseland.com

Race result
1. C. Stoner 44’44.982; 2. V. Rossi +5.789; 3. D. Pedrosa +8.347; 4. C. Edwards +12.678; 5. A. Dovizioso +14.801; 6. J. Lorenzo +15.690; 7. N. Hayden +18.196; 8. C. Vermeulen +21.666; 9. S. Nakano +29.354; 10. A. West +41.030; 17. J. Toseland +1 lap

Championship standings (after round eight)
1. Rossi 162; 2. Pedrosa 151; 3. Stoner 117; 4. Lorenzo 104; 5. Edwards 82; 6. Dovizioso 68; 7. Hayden 57; 8. Toseland 53; 9. Capirossi 51; 10. Nakano 49