Fans: Keep Toseland in MotoGP

Rain soaked James Toseland fans hope his sixth place finish at Donington will be enough to keep him on the MotoGP grid next year.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider has failed to deliver the results this year, causing speculation he will be forced to swap rides with WSB’s Ben Spies next season.

But fans hope today’s result – a career equalling best – will boost his confidence and provide a turning point for the rest of the season.

His sixth place finish was the best ever for a British rider at Donington on a four-stroke MotoGP machine.

He was clearly delighted with the result and took time to high-five fans who invaded the track after the race and reward them with a couple of burnouts.

Andy Taylor, 27, from Skegness said: “He has done really well. It is a shame he didn’t get the fifth place, but if you are going to miss out it is best if it is to Rossi. He has certainly done better than I expected today, I just hope this is the start of things to come.”

Kevin Taylor, 37, from Skegness said: “Seeing Toseland come sixth has made the weekend.

“This has easily been the second best race of the year. We want Toseland to stay in MotoGP, we need a British rider in it.”

Paul Miller, 42, from Skegness, said: “Toseland has to stay in MotoGP, he has proven today he can get the results and perform.”

Graham Patrick, 32, from Warminster said: “I was a bit disappointed with his qualifying position, but when the rain came I thought he could do well, but then he looked like he was going to start dropping back mid-race.

“But he kept it going and the move he put on Rossi to take him back in the Foggy S’s proved he has the determination to do well.”

Ian Roe, 44, from Scunthorpe, said; “It was an heroic race from Toseland today.”

What do you think? Has Toseland got what it takes to stay in MotoGP next year?