Toseland sure he'll be competitive

Toseland admitted that this week's run at the southern Spanish track was key to letting him understand just what sort of experience he is going to face in MotoGP next year - and he is delighted with the way things have gone.

"Day three of the test has gone really, really well," he wrote on his official website after setting the eighth quickest time on the final day.

"It was important not to make a mistake today as that would have resulted in me carrying an injury through the winter, which obviously wouldn't have been good.

"I wanted to finish on a high whilst still being cautious not to make too many mistakes and I think the eighth place finish reflects this.

"My MotoGP initiation is now over and it's given me plenty of food for thought for over the winter months. It's pleasing for me to know that I'm going to be competitive at the premier level and feel confident that the team are moving in the right direction for 2008."

Toseland also paid tribute to Tech 3 Yamaha teammate Colin Edwards, and also Valentino Rossi who has helped show him the lines around Jerez.

"Colin Edwards has been fantastic, as has Valentino Rossi," added Toseland. "They've really made it easy for me to feel part of the team. I was able to follow Valentino here at Jerez, and what a master of his job he is. I'm certainly going to learn a lot about myself as a rider from this class.

"The timesheet speaks for itself and to finish eighth on the last day of testing makes me feel incredibly happy. I know there's more from me and better performances to come.

"I've completed 187 laps over three days and I can honestly say that every one of them has felt like a superpole. The level of concentration has really exhausted me, so I know now that it won't be easy.

"I'd like to say to my fans all over the world, and in particular my UK fans, I'm going to continue giving 110 per cent, and I won't let you down."