MotoGP – James Toseland eager to try the "pneumatic" engine

A debut in the golden world of MotoGP to remember. James Toseland finished in sixth place at Losail, despite a Yamaha YZR M1 (fielded by the Tech 3 team) certainly not at the level of the factory cars entrusted to Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, at least on an engine level. In fact, if the chassis is practically the same as the Fiat Yamaha standard bearers, its 4-in-line is little more than an evolution of 2007, decidedly behind the new pneumatic valve engine. Toseland, however, didn't have too many dramas, he raced with great determination waiting for the "pneumatic" engine which will only arrive in Estoril, just in time for the third event on the calendar. Here's what he said about it to Motor Cycle News.

“Yamaha has always been honest: I knew for some time that the new engine would arrive for Estoril, so all we had to do was work with what we have for these first two races”, said the reigning Superbike World Champion. “At Losail, Stoner and Lorenzo, after following me, overtook me on the straight with great ease, they literally took the stickers off my bike! The difference was 10 to 20 km/h, but luckily from Estoril we will also be competitive in terms of speed. For us it is a great source of pride to have managed to stay in the top six with the package available, and thinking about the Portuguese Grand Prix I am really confident, I am convinced that together with the team and Yamaha we will be able to fight for good results.".

The Estoril layout features a long pit straight: the new engine will arrive at just the right time.