Toseland has the Friday feeling

Catalunya MotoGP
Free practice
6 June 08


Britain’s James Toseland has enjoyed his most successful MotoGP free practice session to date, since the opening round of the season at Qatar, in Catalunya, Spain today. The day’s two free practice sessions were held in dry conditions, enabling the 27-year-old to build on the strong base setting that Tech 3 Yamaha established at Mugello in Italy last weekend.

The Isle of Man resident was eighth fastest at the end of the day – less than 0.5 seconds off the fastest lap time set by Spaniard Dani Pedrosa. It is the strongest position that James has ever been in on the first practice day and he is feeling optimistic about the weekend ahead as he prepares for the final race before his home GP at Donington Park on 22 June.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider is now focussing on developing consistency in tomorrow’s final practice session ahead of qualifying. The practice session times illustrate how close the race is likely to be and Britain’s Toseland is determined to be competitive.

“I’m planning to complete some race runs tomorrow,” says James, “to build on my consistency and prepare physically for the race on Sunday. “I’m happy with the bike and would like to thank the team for their help in finding such a strong base setting. The Michelin tyres are working really well and we have a few more things to try with the bike. I’m just hoping to continue our progress tomorrow.”

Fans of James Toseland have the opportunity to meet him and cycle two laps of Donington Park with him ahead the British GP, while raising money for Riders for Health. For further information or to pledge sponsorship, visit www.bennetts.co.uk and click the Riders for Health button. Keep up to date with all James Toseland news at www.jamestoseland.com

Free practice
1. D. Pedrosa 1:43.017; 2. L. Capirossi +0.006; 3. V. Rossi +0.073; 4. C. Stoner +0.082; 5. A. De Angelis +0.216; 6. C. Vermeulen +0.351; 7. S. Nakano +0.425;
8. J. Toseland +0.462; 9. N. Hayden +0.597; 10. C. Edwards +0.651