Toseland happy after MotoGP debut

Toseland is confident of more success this season

James Toseland is confident he can be a success in MotoGP after finishing sixth in his debut race in Qatar.

Toseland was just 0.7 seconds behind fifth-placed Valentino Rossi and says when his Tech3 Yamaha team get their new engine, they will be a real force.

"We've got last year's engine at the moment and we're hopeful of getting the new engine by round three at Estoril in Portugal," he said.

"To come away with sixth, it's been a great first round to build on."

The race, the first under floodlights, was won by reigning world champion Casey Stoner.

And two-time World Superbikes champion Toseland believes he can be a realistic challenger for Stoner's crown this year.

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He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We're a little bit down on speed at the moment which is why we're finding it a little bit difficult in the race situation, but if we can get that new engine I'm sure we can be competitive.

"We're just going to do the best with what we've got and I'm sure we'll have some good things to look forward to in the future."