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

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

Learning curve for Toseland

James Toseland’s debut MotoGP season continued at Estoril with two promising free practice sessions ahead of the third round this weekend. The Tech 3 Yamaha rider has never raced at the Portuguese circuit before and used the sessions to familiarise himself with the characteristics of the track in preparation for Sunday’s race.

In addition to learning circuit layout, 27-year-old Toseland focussed on getting to grips with the new pneumatic valve Yamaha engine for the first time. The Brit has already impressed with two promising sixth place finishes at the first two rounds of the championship, but had been struggling with acceleration on the straight sections of the tracks.

Although today’s practice sessions were held in mixed conditions, Toseland – who is still recovering from a bout of bronchitis – was pleased with the 18^th and 13^th fastest times he posted. The Isle of Man resident’s best time of 1’40.055 in the afternoon session was just 1.5 seconds off the fastest time set by Dani Pedrosa.

“I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made at Estoril today, as we had a lot to contend with,” says Toseland. “The weather has been unpredictable, cold, windy and raining. This morning’s practice session was held on a damp track and we didn’t get a dry surface until this afternoon. However, I’m really happy with the new engine – it feels really strong. The team now has lots of data to look at and we’ll be able to make any adjustments ahead of tomorrow’s final qualifying session.”

Estoril – combined free practice times

1. D. Pedrosa 1’38.507

2. V. Rossi 1’38.547

3. C. Edwards 1’38.632

4. N. Hayden 1’38.688

5. J. Lorenzo 1’38.868

6. A. Dovizioso 1’39.171

7. C. Stoner 1’39.202

8. S. Nakano 1’39.309

9. R. de Puniet 1’39.332

10. J. Hopkins 1’39.474

13. J. Toseland 1’40.055