Dovizioso Slams “Aggressive” Toseland
Added on Monday, May 19th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Dovizioso Slams “Aggressive” Toseland
James Toseland’s riding style has come under scrutiny once again after Andrea Dovizioso branded the Brit as “too aggressive”.
Toseland crashed out on lap seven of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans on Sunday after colliding with Dovizioso, forcing the Italian to drop down to 14th place before he eventually fought back to sixth.
The JIR Honda rider later blasted Toseland, claiming that the rider’s acts cost him a possible podium finish.
“I’m really not happy with him. At the time I was with Jorge Lorenzo and he went onto finish second, so I think I could have finished on the podium.
“For me the move was too aggressive and on the exit of the corner. He just ran into the back of me. He hit me very hard and it was amazing I didn’t crash but his front tyre hit my body and my leather suit has marks from his front tyre.
“The bike has got black rubber marks all over it as well. Without this I think a podium could have been mine today so that is very disappointing.”
It’s the latest criticism of Toseland’s riding style since he made the move from World Superbikes to MotoGP, with both Chris Vermeulen and Casey Stoner criticising the Tech 3 rider in the past whilst Toseland has downplayed some of his questionable manoeuvres, describing his style as “hard but fair”.
Toseland again defended his actions on Sunday, suggesting that he was merely trying to capitalise on an error from Dovizioso.
“I’m pretty frustrated because a little mistake ruins all the hard work myself and the team have put in,” said the Yorkshireman. “I wish I could have a second go at it now like you get in World Superbikes!”
“I got a great start and really wanted to try and get away with the leaders but I lost a couple of places when John Hopkins came by with a hard but fair move.
“Andrea then made a small mistake and went slightly wide at the fourth corner and as I tried to go underneath him he came back on line and took my front wheel.
“It was just a racing incident but very disappointing because after that good start I felt like I could have got a good result.”
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