Heavy rain and a crash failed to dampen the enthusiasm of World Superbike Champion James Toseland at his very first MotoGP test at Sepang in Malaysia today (Thursday).

Toseland joined his new team-mate American Colin Edwards in the Tech 3 Yamaha team for his very first ride on an 800cc YZR – M1 MotoGP machine around the 3.447 mile Sepang circuit. The Sheffield-based rider found it a very new experience.

“The MotoGP bike has a totally different feeling to a Superbike but my Tech 3 team and team-mate Colin Edwards have great experience and are teaching me the ropes,” explained Toseland, who was not injured in the crash and completed 29 laps before the rain returned. “I can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow and I just hope the rain stays away. Everybody has made me so welcome in the team, I‘m working with some top guys and it’s great to get started at last.”

Heavy rain drastically limited track time at the first day of the three-day test. The test started late as the riders waited for the track to dry while after lunch the heavy rain returned.

Toseland was tenth fastest, with a lap time of two minutes 05.438s. Frenchman Randy De Puniet led the way riding the Michelin-shod LCR Honda with a lap time of two minutes 03.033 seconds.