The British rider had high hopes before his homecoming MotoGP stage in front of almost 90,000 fans at Donington Park, but after crashing twice in the rain during qualifying, Toseland came off his Tech3 Yamaha on the first corner of the race on Sunday.

The double World Superbike champion started from 16th position on the grid and although he got back on his bike after the crash, he was only able to cross the line in 17th, two positions outside the points.

Although he was obviously disappointed, Toseland tried to remain positive, after receiving a stirring reception from his supportive fans.

He said: "I will bounce back from this but it has got to be one of the biggest disappointments of my career. It is not in my nature to give up and I didn't today, and I know my turn will come."

He described the moment when his problematic weekend turned into a nightmare.

"Starting from 16th was always going to be tough but I decided to attack from the start. I made a good start and passed a few people and didn't think I was too fast into the first corner but the rear end came round and I was down."

Toseland sustained minor injuries in the crash but was desperate to finish the race in front of the vast home support.

"I could have just cruised back to the pits but a lot of people had come to see me ride. I was hurting because I hit my head pretty hard and I smacked my right hand down on the tarmac."

"And the right footpeg had snapped off, but I soldiered on because I wanted to get to that chequered flag more than anything."

"I was going to finish for all those fans, who have been unbelievable supporting me since I arrived here."

The 27-year-old's Tech3 team manager sang Toseland's praises for completing the race in difficult circumstances.

Herve Poncharal said: "Of course I am very sorry and disappointed for James. I think he really wanted to do well but the rain on Saturday meant he was always racing against the clock to improve."

"From then he was always trying to recover. He made a mistake but I have nothing but huge admiration for what he did afterwards."

"It took a lot of courage for him to carry on in the circumstances and it showed that he really wanted to repay the British fans for their support."

Poncharal has tipped his rider to come back strong this weekend at the MotoGP round nine in Assen, Netherlands.

Speaking after the Donington stage he added: "The good news is we have a race next week and he can show what a strong character he is by bouncing back."