Toseland dices for super six

Catalunya MotoGP
Race report
8 June 08


A determined James Toseland has once again demonstrated how competitive he is in the premier motorcycle racing class by securing the fourth top-six race finish of his debut MotoGP season. Catalunya was the fifth consecutive new track that the Brit had to get to grips with, but he remained un-phased and determined to build on his positive start in the championship.

The 27-year-old had a strong start to the 25-lap battle – hanging on to seventh place from sixth on the grid. However, he was pushed back to tenth position before fighting his way back towards the front of the pack. With four laps remaining, the Isle of Man resident had secured sixth place on the track after overtaking Chris Vermeulen, but Vermeulen was not willing to give in easily.

The Dutch rider maintained his challenge until the chequered flag for a dramatic finish, but it was Toseland who emerged the victor of the two aboard the Tech 3 Yamaha. The race win was secured by Spaniard Dani Pedrosa at his home event, after Rossi secured the home victory at the Italian GP last weekend. With a precedent set for victory on home soil, the excitement is building for the British GP at Donington Park in two weeks time.

“I had a difficult few opening laps while I settled into a rhythm with the new settings on the bike,” says James. “Valentino passed me and then I got pushed back a bit further before I managed to pull things back. I just got my head down and focussed on gaining some places.

“It’s hard work at these tracks that I don’t know so I’m really pleased to have qualified and finished the race in sixth position. My aim coming into the race was to finish sixth and improve my championship position and I’ve done both. I’m looking forward to getting to Donington now to see what I can do at a track that I’m familiar with.”

For the chance to meet James Toseland and cycle two laps of the British track with him at the Day of Champions on 19 June, visit Bennetts and click the Riders for Health button. To keep up with all James Toseland’s news and events visit www.jamestoseland.com

Qualifying session
1. D. Pedrosa 42:02.175; 2. V. Rossi +2.806; 3. C. Stoner +3.343; 4. A. Dovizioso +10.893; 5. C. Edwards +16.426; 6. J. Toseland +21.482; 7. C. Vermeulen +21.548; 8. N. Hayden +22.280;
9. S. Nakano +22.375; 10. J. Hopkins +46.835

Championship standings (after round seven)
1. Rossi 142; 2. Pedrosa 135; 3. Lorenzo 94; 4. Stoner 92; 5. Edwards 69; 6. Dovizioso 57; 7. Toseland 53; 8. Capirossi 51; 9. Hayden 48; 10. Nakano 42