MotoGP: World Superbike success means nothing in MotoGP, admits James Toseland

James Toseland has conceded his World Superbike success and experience counts for nothing as he gears up for his rookie MotoGP campaign in 2008.

The British rider has completed two tests for the Tech 3 Yamaha squad in Sepang and Jerez, and said he is concentrating on using the long winter testing campaign to adapt to the style of riding an 800cc MotoGP machine.

And the 27-year-old told MCN: “The team has got so much experience at this level there would be no point in me coming in and saying ‘I’m the two-times World Superbike champion blah, blah’.

“They’ve forgotten more things about MotoGP than I know. Hopefully with Yamaha’s development for the new bike we can on the pace next year.”

James Toseland, who recently finished fourth in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year contest, reckons he won’t be looking for any headline grabbing performances during winter testing.

“To be competitive at this level I will have to take a lot in. It is the biggest challenge of my life but I’m prepared to put everything into it.

“I just want to keep a low profile and get on with doing my own thing. I’ve got a lot to learn and I just want to go about doing in a quiet manner without any fuss,” said the former Ten Kate Honda rider.