James Toseland had a disastrous start to his home grand prix, crashing on the first corner of the first lap of yesterday's Moto GP at Donington before eventually finishing in 17th place.

The Ramsey resident was facing an uphill task after only qualifying in 16th on the grid following his struggles in the wet in qualifying.

But a bad weekend got much worse when he spun into the gravel on the first corner attempting a lightning start.

He injured his hand in the accident and was also forced to ride without being able to use the back brake after smashing the footpeg off his bike.

Speaking afterwards Toseland described it as the most disappointing day of his life.

"This weekend was not about personal achievement because letting myself down comes second to letting the fans down.

"There is nobody or nothing to blame for this incident except over exuberance into turn one.

"When you start from 16th on the grid there are two options; ride at the back of the field or go for it and it's my nature to always try my best so I went for it."

The race was won by Casey Stoner, with Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa completing the top three.

Toseland will be hoping for better luck this coming weekend, when Moto GP moves on to Assen for round nine.