Let's not get too ecstatic: this is only the first morning of a three-day test. But even so, Toseland's commitment and confidence appear way above that of a rookie who has yet to compete in a
MotoGP race.
Toseland's early pace compares with Rossi's 2005 lap record of 1 minute 40.596 seconds, set on a 990cc Yamaha, and
Loris Capirossi's 2006 pole time of 1 minute 39.064 seconds on the Marlboro Ducati.
As if to celebrate his new link with Hervé Poncharal's Tech III outfit, Toseland recently bought a four-bedroom villa in the south of France, just 100 kilometres from the team's base in Provence.
Saturday am - Suzuki Makes Passing Easier
Rizla Suzuki's more powerful GSV-R engine should enable riders
Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi to overtake rivals easier than was possible with last year's bike, according to team chief Paul Denning.
"Our bike had great stability on the brakes last year, but it lacked some acceleration," he said at this morning's team breakfast. "But the factory has done some great work on the engine, and this is now a fast motorcycle. It's easier to outbrake your competition if you are alongside them rather than 20 yards behind."
Vermeulen will try to qualify better this season to improve his chances of winning more races: thus far the 25-year-old Australian has recorded three poles and three podium finishes, but just a solitary victory.
"Chris has never been a one-lap merchant, and that's hurt him at some tracks," Denning said. "He needs to be on the front two rows week in and week out. So in qualifying he has to trust in the bike, the tyres and himself from the first corner."
New signing Capirossi hasn't yet stunned in winter testing, but the team is already feeling the benefit of the 34-year-old Italian's recent MotoGP experience with Ducati, who are at the forefront of electronics developments.
