MotoGP debut by saying that he wanted to take a leaf from Lewis Hamilton’s book and he almost ripped out the first chapter with a performance that proved he is capable of upsetting the most elite of two-wheeled applecarts. The World Superbike champion was sixth in a Qatar Grand Prix dominated by Casey Stoner, but he did enough to suggest he will be a threat and may even become the first British GP winner since Barry Sheene in 1981.

Toseland had already stunned onlookers at the Losail International Circuit by taking his Tech 3 Yamaha into second place on the grid, but he got a harsh introduction to the bare-knuckle tactics of his rivals as they barged and bruised their way past.

However, he recovered superbly and by the end was hanging on to the tails of Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi, the five-time champion, as he tried to make a great start a consummate one. Toseland said he would not have left his comfort zone in Superbikes to make up the numbers and the calibre of rider left in his wake, including the 2006 world champion, Nicky Hayden, means he is unlikely to go the same way as British predecessors such as Neil Hodgson.

It was a significant race in other ways, too. Stoner badly injured his shoulder at the end of last year, but was dominant from fourth on the grid. The rest must be concerned that the Australian, who trounced the grid last season, will again run away with proceedings on his Ducati.

Just as concerning for Rossi, who last won the title in 2005, was being beaten by his new team-mate, Jorge Lorenzo. The 21-year-old Spaniard is feisty and talented, and took his Fiat Yamaha into second place.

The real battle took place behind that duo, as Rossi, Dani Pedrosa, Dovizioso and Toseland fought out a thriller. Pedrosa hung on for third on the Repsol Honda and Rossi suffered the ignominy of being overhauled by Dovizioso on a lap in which they exchanged positions three times. Toseland was on Rossi’s back wheel, but decided not to risk mayhem with a daring overtaking move.

Instead, he finished sixth but knows he was every bit as fast as Rossi in his first ride in the class he has long dreamt of competing in.

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