Tech 3 Yamaha boss hoping for strong finish from James Toseland

James Toseland’s Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal is hopeful the British rider can end his rookie MotoGP on a high after his stunning ride in last weekend’s Australian GP.

Toseland equalled his best result in Phillip Island with a superb ride to sixth place, slugging it out with eight-times world champion Valentino Rossi in an enthralling opening few laps.

Toseland then got embroiled in a titanic scrap with Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso and Shinya Nakano before settling for sixth.

It was a welcome return to form for the 28-year-old, who had endured a tough second half to his debut premier class campaign.

And now Tech 3 boss Poncharal is hopeful Toseland can build on his Phillip Island in the last two races in Sepang and Valencia later this month.

Toseland tested twice at Sepang during a hectic winter testing schedule and he’s vast experience of the Valencia circuit from his World Superbike career.

Poncharal said: “Hopefully after his incredible result he can finish the season strongly. He needed that result and I’m sure it has done a lot for his confidence. He knows Sepang and Valencia so we are hoping he can produce another performance like in Phillip Island.”

Poncharal was also full of praise for Toseland after his brilliant display in Australia.
“James was absolutely incredible and he could not have done anymore to get his best result of the season.

“It was a shame he was sixth again, but again he showed what a true fighter he is. He fought very hard with some of the top guys in this championship. His fight with Valentino was extra special and terrific to watch.

“Not a lot of guys get passed by Valentino and then pass him straight back so it was incredible to see him do this.”