Toseland gets first taste of BMW

James Toseland has completed his first ever laps onboard the BMW S1000RR at a wet and cold Portimao this morning.

The two time WSB champion rode the BMW test team’s bike in preparation for his future with the new BMW Motorrad Italia squad he will ride for in 2011.

Despite the poor conditions, Toseland was able to gain an initial impression of the bike and start important relationship building with his new team.

Speaking exclusively to MCN after returning from his second exit on track, he said: “It feels good especially given the conditions. I haven’t ridden at all since the final race at Magny Cours so it’s nice to be back on a bike.

“I just want to get a feel for things but my initial impression is that the engine is strong, the balance is good and it’s agile.

“It’s obviously early days and because of the rain I’m only riding at about 80%, but it still gives me a chance to learn the bike and start to understand how my new team works.”

Toseland was joined on track by factory BMW men Leon Haslam and Troy Corser plus Ten Kate Honda man Jonathan Rea who is riding for the first time since having the pin removed from his wrist and new Honda signing Ruben Xaus.

Noriyuki Haga (Pata Aprilia), Alex Hoffman (Aprilia test team) and Michel Fabrizio (Alstare Suzuki) are also present at the two day test.