James Toseland gets early birthday boost

British rider James Toseland gave himself a pre-birthday boost in Australia today as he claimed a stunning fifth position on the grid for the Phillip Island clash.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider, who will turn 28 tomorrow, was tantalisingly close to only his second front row start as he missed third by just 0.2s. And he was only 0.366s adrift of Casey Stoner’s impressive pole position as he was punished for two small mistakes on his last flying lap.

Without a small error when he drifted slightly off line at the second corner, and a slide exiting the Siberia corner, Toseland reckons he could have even claimed a sensational pole position.

He ended the session with a best time of 1.29.031 and he said: “For once it feels nice to be slightly miserable because I know I could have been on the front row. I went wide at the second corner and I had a bit of a slide coming out of Siberia on my last qualifier but I came across the line and saw a 29 flat.

“I was pleased with that, but when I saw the front row was a 28.7 and pole was a 28.6, I realised I could have perhaps got pole being only three-tenths off even with a couple of mistakes. At least it is nice to know where I lost those three-tenths and that with a bit more time I could have found them rather than wondering where I need to make up time on the quick guys.

“I’ve got to thank my guys at Tech 3 because we have worked well all weekend. The bike has been brilliant in the dry and it is a long time since I have come to such a familiar track and been comfortable with the bike. And when it all comes together it is a great feeling to show people what I’m capable of. If I can’t do well at these tracks then I’m in trouble. So it is nice to prove that on a track I’ve got some experience on with this bike, I can get the job done. “

Toseland reckons his speed on race tyres was helped by a minor setting change to the rear of his YZR-M1 during qualifying and he added: “We have got a great set-up for the race having made a small change on the rear.

“The new setting helped me use the tyre a bit better on the corner exit, so rather than spinning and going sideways it was just hooking up a bit better and on these long apex corners it is better for the tyre life, which is crucial at this track. If we can get a good start, there is no reason why I can’t run at the front.

“It is an exciting prospect because it has been a long time since I’ve been able to push at the front, and that’s all I came to MotoGP for.  Looking at the times it could be a cracking race and I will be giving it my all to celebrate my birthday with a good result.”