Motegi MotoGP: James Toseland looking for luck change

British MotoGP rider James Toseland is hoping his rotten bad luck will change in Yamaha’s home race in Japan this weekend.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider has had a torrid start to 2009 with massive high-side crashes during winter testing in Sepang and Jerez that cost him crucial development miles on the new YZR-M1.

Toseland also lost time on adapting to Bridgestone tyres and his start to the new season was bitterly disappointing when a clash with Gresini Honda rider Toni Elias forced him out of the points in 16th position.

The 28-year-old has been getting over his disappointment with a short stay in the Seychelles before he heads to Japan for Sunday’s 24-lap race at the Twin Ring Motegi.

And he told MCN: “I just need a bit of luck to go my way. With the crashes in testing and the clash with Toni in the first race, it has been really tough. But I’m not going to let my head get down.

“It is not getting harder to take the blows that keep coming my way. I’ve just got to knuckle down, keep my chin up and put in the hard work.

Obviously this weekend is a big race. They all are, but this one is extra significant because it is the home race for Yamaha.

“I am just determined as ever to put it right and get a few good results under my belt.

“I saw in Qatar what the bike is capable of, so it is up to me to put the package where it deserves to be.”