James Toseland determined to finish 2008 strongly

James Toseland is confident he can finish his rookie MotoGP campaign in positive fashion as the British rider prepares to return to the circuit where his premier class career began almost a year ago.

The 28-year-old made his YZR-M1 debut at the Sepang circuit last November and also tested at the popular Far East venue in January.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s Malaysian GP, Toseland is brimming with confidence after he produced a dazzling return to form at Phillip Island earlier this month.

The Sheffield rider equalled his best result of sixth place after a fantastic scrap with eight-times world champion Valentino Rossi and his Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

And he told MCN: “ I really needed that result in Phillip Island because it has been tough at times this year. I’ve always just kept my head down and done the best job possible, but I’ve always known that my team and my bike are capable of fighting at the front. So it is nice to be able to do that.”

Toseland added: “I haven’t raced at Sepang but I had two good tests there in the winter and I certainly know the track. If I can be as consistent as I was over the weekend in Phillip Island then I’m really looking forward to it.”

Toseland also has in-depth knowledge of the Valencia circuit from his World Superbike career and he added: “It is nice to finish the season on tracks I know, even if it might be only from testing.

“Track knowledge has been a big disadvantage at times, but I know Valencia as well as anybody.”