Toseland hopeful at Laguna

Added on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The USA circuit of Laguna Seca in California hosts the MotoGP circus today, with Casey Stoner establishing his determination to win 25 points, with a pole-setting time in qualifying yesterday.

Stoner won at Laguna last year and must fancy his chances of closing in on Rossi with another win today. Rossi, 20 points ahead in the championship at present, told the press that he `needs 30 seconds head start’ to have a chance of winning. But the Italian’s wry remark means little at a track where sheer courage and race ability mean just as much as horsepower and electronic gadgetry.

Local fave Nicky Hayden is starting from the front row as well, and must be hoping for a good result to lift his fairly dismal season so far. Colin Edwards starts from 7th, whilst Dani Pedrosa has withdrawn from the race due to injury.

Meanwhile Britain’s James Toseland has lifted his spirits by claiming 5th place on the grid. Toseland is confident his starting technique has improved and rates his tyres around Laguna as well. If the Brit can get a good start and make a break with the lead group after the opening laps, then maybe Toseland can pull a podium place out of the hat.

Coverage of the race starts at 9.40pm on BBC2 tonight.

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