So, in addition to a straightforward battle between the rookies, just what should we should we expect from them - and what will constitute a good result?
For Toseland, a double World Superbike champion, the obvious comparisons are with
Colin Edwards,
Troy Bayliss and Neil Hodgson - the other WSBK title holders to race in
MotoGP since the new, post-2001, four-stroke era began.
Both Edwards and Bayliss made their first MotoGP appearance at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka - although unlike Toseland they were riding for factory teams; Bayliss at Ducati and Edwards for the less competitive Aprilia outfit.
Nevertheless, Edwards was ahead in qualifying, placing his RS Cube ninth on the grid, with Bayliss 13th. But the Australian turned the tables in the race - reaching fifth at the chequered flag, one place in front of Edwards, as both rookies delivered impressive rides.
Having previously raced in 500cc, Hodgson returned to MotoGP as the reigning World Superbike champion in 2004, riding a year-old Ducati for the satellite d'Antin team. The Briton began a nightmare season by qualifying 15th, but failed to finish the race.
Yamaha Tech 3 rider Toseland may have finished the final pre-season test, also at Qatar, an eye-opening second fastest (on qualifying tyres) - but the Englishman will surely be satisfied to be inside the top ten in both the race and qualifying this weekend, while a Bayliss-and-Edwards equalling top six would be a great result.
"I'm now ready for the first race and I know I need to compete with all of the bikes on the track to truly measure my performance," said Toseland ahead of this weekend. "I've made several race simulations to calculate our fuel efficiency, which looks quite promising. I was very happy with the two day night test but disappointed that after being first for over three hours that I got pipped for the top slot. The team have been fantastic because the learning curve is so steep in this class and without their experience and skill I would be running around in circles."
