Germany; Toseland’s First Ever Win!
Added on Saturday, May 31st, 2003 by Carole Nash Editor
Germany; Toseland’s First Ever Win!
Britain’s James Toseland vindicated the faith that HM Plant Ducati - and others - have shown in the 22 year old young racer, by taking a flawless win - his first in Superbikes - in the second race today, at Oschersleben in Germany.
Neil Hodgson, who had a string of nine unbroken victories halted by Toseland, was one of the first to congratulate him; `James rode inch perfect all the way, it’s great for Britain to see young talent developing - I trained him well!’
Toseland was obviously overjoyed as he circulated on his victory lap, shaking hands with many riders, including team-mate Chris Walker, who took an outstanding third place, despite suffering some pain from his practice crash yesterday.
Race One saw Hodgson win, closely pursued by Frankie Chili, who gave it all he had on the last corner, trying to nip under Hodgson and gas it to the line faster, but the Italian couldn’t quite find the right line. Toseland was third, after Xaus crashed out whilst running hard - a grwat effort for Toseland, who was shunted off track on the first corner of the opening race by a crashing Lavilla.
It was a tough day for the Foggy Petronas team, as James Haydon went out in spectacular style in race one, cartwheeling off the bike and beating himself up pretty badly in the gravel trap. Haydon skipped race two, as Corser nursed and obviously underpowered machine home in 14th place, a couple of places below his first race finish.
Finally, Suzi Perry’s grid walkabout was made unusually interesting today, as BBC viewers heard the following exchange with the suave Frankie Chili;
Suzi; Frankie, you had a leaking petrol tank in race one, you have clean leathers now?’
Frankie; Yeah, all clean now.
Suzi; Keep all the gas in here, yes? ( pointing at the tank )
Frankie; Yeah, and in my balls.
Live TV - you can’t beat it eh.
