Monster Yamaha's James Toeland reckons he will be happy with a top six place in the opening MotoGP round at Qatar this weekend following a winter of big crashes.

The former World Superbike Champion, who is just about recovered from his big Jerez crasg, ended the first free practice session last night in 11th place after being in the top six for about half an hour

“I'm pleased with tonight because it has been a tough winter but I was in the ballpark right from the start. I'm eleventh but on the lap times I'm really close to the top six and that is really encouraging," said Toseland.

"The team did a great job with the base setting because I've not had much time on the bike, and their understanding of what I need has been fantastic. I felt comfortable on the bike and that was important for me. My right foot is a little bit sore after the crash in Jerez but it is not proving a big problem on the bike at all.

"I'm delighted with my recovery because for a while I couldn't even put any weight on my right foot. But if we had a race tomorrow then I'd be going for a top six position and that's where I want to be coming off the winter. I used the softer tyres tonight because with the track temperature ten degrees hotter than at the test, I wanted to save the harder tyres because that is what I'll need for the race.

"With the shorter session and less tyres, it really comes down to strategy and my team were brilliant. Hopefully now I'll be able to give Herve a belated birthday present on Sunday.”