07.09.09Toseland avoids tussle to finish tenth

PBRA-supported rider James Toseland avoided a first lap coming-together to finish the Misano GP in tenth position. 

Britain's only representative in the premiere class of motorcycle racing started the race in fourteenth position after a frustrating qualifying session. Toseland managed to avoid an early melee to complete the first lap in tenth position. However, his Monster Yamaha Tech3 team-mate Colin Edwards was not so lucky with the Texas Tornado making an early exit in a wild turn one crash. Edwards was an innocent victim when hit from behind by Italian rider Alex de Angelis with Nicky Hayden also being bumped out of the race.

Toseland continued to post impressive lap times throughout the race but the early incident had put an end to his hopes of a top six finish. The 28-year-old currently sits in 13th position in the Championship standings, with four rounds remaining.

James Toseland, 10th: "The incident at turn one really spilt the pack and I saw it all unfolding and it was unfortunate for Colin and Nicky to go out like that. I am not pleased with tenth place but I am pleased about my lap times in the race. I was matching Dovizioso and Capirossi except for the last five laps because I chose the softer tyre at the rear. We changed to a softer fork springs at the front for the race which made the bike smoot her over the bumps and without that turn one incident I think I had a chance of tagging along for a top six finish. I found it difficult to find a comfortable setting this weekend and we went in circles a little while trying understand the new front geometry with this set-up, but the guys in the team did a great job. At the end I could see Capirossi ahead at every corner so I knew I was doing a good pace so it is frustrating when you can't be up there fighting for a better result."