Tough times for Toseland

Sachsenring MotoGP
Race report
13 July 08

An excellent start from 11th position on the grid to fifth place into turn one signalled a change in fortunes for Britain’s James Toseland at Sachsenring today. However, the Isle of Man resident was unable to hold off his rivals in a mid-pack battle due to incorrect tyre choice.

The 27-year-old had taken a gamble with a slightly harder rear tyre in the hope the heavy rain would clear mid-race to make way for a drying track. Unfortunately, by the time the rain began to ease off at half race distance, the Tech 3 Yamaha rider was already at a strong disadvantage on the time sheets.

With just nine laps to go of the 3.761-metre track, heavy rain fell once again and Toseland was forced to continue riding a safe race to pick up any points possible and further experience at MotoGP level. Difficult conditions had already seen experienced contenders, including team-mate Colin Edwards and race and championship leader Dani Pedrosa, crash out.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider passed the chequered flag in 11th place to slip down to ninth position overall in the championship standings.

“I’m obviously disappointed with today’s result. I was fourth fastest in warm-up this morning and thought that was a good sign of a better race day. I got a really good start from the grid but I had no confidence to push hard, which meant that I wasn’t able to hold off any challenges.

“I feel that I could have had a good race if I had the correct rear tyre but there’s little point in dwelling on it now. I must remain focussed and get my confidence back. I’m looking forward to the challenge of Laguna Seca and hope that we can continue to make improvements with the set-up of the Tech 3 Yamaha.”

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

Race result
1. C. Stoner 47’30.057; 2. V. Rossi +3.708; 3. C. Vermeulen +14.002; 4. A. De Angelis +14.124; 5. A. Dovizioso +42.022; 6. S. Guintoli +46.648; 7. L. Capirossi +1’04.483; 8. R. De Puniet +1’04.588; 9. S. Nakano +1’16.773; 10. A. West +1’29.275; 11. J. Toseland +1 lap

Championship standings (after round ten)
1. Rossi 187; 2. Pedrosa 171; 3. Stoner 167; 4. Lorenzo 114; 5. Edwards 98; 6. Dovizioso 90; 7. Vermeulen 73; 8. Hayden 73; 9. Toseland 65; 10. Nakano 64