WSB Miller: Quick learner Toseland upbeat despite crash

James Toseland made a strong start to his Miller weekend by finishing day one in seventh position despite missing the final 12 minutes of the session. Toseland had just set the second fastest time but crashed at the fast turn three while on schedule for a pole lap and as a result dropped down the leader board as his rivals went faster.

Speaking to MCN, He said: “It’s my first time at the track, but I did some laps on the scooter which helped me get dialled in plus I’m not bad at learning tracks. I did about 40 laps today and I matched Ben’s (Spies) lap record from last year so I’ve been able to get up to speed OK. We knew the bike would work well here and my team have done a really good job.”

“The crash was a silly error really. I used a softer tyre at the end of the session and it was going well but I just pushed too hard going into turn three. The left hand side of the tyre gets worn out compared to the right because it’s a left hand track. I was on a quick lap, it hooked up really well through the right but as I tipped into the left I lost the front.”

Toseland also revealed that he is still suffering the side effects of his horrific turn one crash at Monza three weeks ago. The 29 year old was hit by his own bike and other riders on the way into the first chicane suffering concussion and damage to the top of his neck.

“I’m still having some problems with my neck following the Monza crash. It feels ok apart from when I’m on the straight. It’s a long straight and holding it in the tucked position is causing me a lot of pain. I’m resting my helmet on the tank, but it’s not really ideal.”