Donington Park MotoGP: James Toseland dejected after double qualifying crash

James Toseland suffered a nightmare day at a damp and grey Donington Park as three crashes left the Tech 3 Yamaha rider starting from 16th on the grid for the 30-lap British GP.

Having walked away unhurt from a crash at Coppice in the wet this morning, Toseland had a shocking end to this afternoon’s crucial qualifying session.

Trying to lift himself into the top ten late on, the double World Superbike champion high-sided as he exited the Goddards final corner.

He remounted to try and get in one final fast lap but just seconds later he suffered a high-speed crash at the fast left-hand Schwantz Curve.

Toseland again walked away but he now faces a mountain to climb tomorrow after qualifying in his worst result of a brilliant rookie campaign.

His previous worst qualifying result was eighth and the 27-year-old said: “Basically I made a mess of it.

“It was difficult conditions and the potential was there for a top six.

“Everything was going in he right direction but unfortunately I tried a few things because although sixth place was okay I felt like I was on the edge of the setting.

“I tried to change some things but we never really went in a positive direction.

“We were running out of time and put ourselves under pressure to get a lap in right at the end and I got on the throttle too early out of the last corner and high-sided myself.

“I got back on but it damaged the rear brake.

“I was going through Schwantz Curve and I think it engaged the rear brake and decided to chuck me off again.

“I think somebody was telling me they didn’t want me to do the lap.

“I’d like to say thanks to the marshals because where I crashed was in a bit of dodgy place and they risked a lot to try and get me going – they were true heroes.

“I’ve got to look at the positive and if it all went well we’d have been in the top six.

“The problem is in this class if you don’t get it right you are 16th and I’m devastated that these conditions in June in England.

“I was eighth yesterday but comfortable in the dry and another dry day I know I could have done a lot better.

“I had a lack of contact with the rear on the entry again and we really need to find this balance, especially at this track where there is so little grip.

“Unfortunately with only one hour you don’t have the time to take a risk.

“Both my knees are a bit sore.

“In the crash this morning I got a handlebar hit me in the right knee and the second one this afternoon was in a fast place and it bashed me up a bit.”