MotoGP Jerez test: Tech 3 relief after James Toseland’s injury scare

Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal has spoken of his relief after new British signing James Toseland escaped serious injury in a high-side crash in Jerez today.

Toseland needed lengthy treatment in the Clinica Mobile after he crashed on only his second lap of the day in cool and windy conditions at the Andalucian circuit.

• Get all the latest from the Jerez test here

X-rays revealed he had no broken bones in a badly swollen right foot, and he returned to the track to post the sixth fastest time.

Poncharal said: “James had a minor incident on his first lap out of the pits but he showed his dedication and willingness to learn by doing a lot of tyre testing this afternoon. It was very important and I would like to thank him for that because his ankle is a bit sore. I was a little bit scared when I saw him in the gravel and in the ambulance because the championship starts very soon but he showed his determination.”

Poncahara also explained Colin Edwards’ absence from testing today, with the American given permission to skip the final day.

“Yamaha, Michelin and the team decided it wasn’t worth taking some risks knowing the conditions were not going to be perfect. He didn’t have much to test, so we sent him home to recharge his batteries and be ready for Qatar, which is another important test, “said the French team boss.