Toseland sorry over Donington error
Added on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Toseland sorry over Donington error
James Toseland has apologised to the British fans he feels he has “let down” after a disastrous weekend at Donington Park on Sunday.
The South Yorkshire rider crashed out of the British Grand Prix on the first turn of the opening lap of his first British MotoGP to end any hope of a dream first podium on his home circuit.
The current World Superbikes champion, who also crashed three times in treacherous conditions during qualifying, was forced to start from 16th on the grid and explained that his determination and expectation to put on a performance on his home circuit effectively led to his downfall.
“Today [Sunday] has been possibly the most disappointing day of my life,” he said. “I have let everyone down.
“The weekend wasn’t about personal achievement and letting myself down comes second to letting the fans down.
“There’s nobody and nothing to blame other than over-exuberance on the first corner. But when you start from 16th place there are two options. One is to ride around at the back of the pack and the other is to go for it. I did the latter.”
Toseland did finish the race, coming in 17th position but that offered little consolation.
“The fans came to see me complete 30 laps and even though I knew I couldn’t finish competitively I gave them that,” he added.
Toseland now sits eighth in the championship, five points behind Nicky Hayden who finished seventh at Donington
