James Toseland found it hard going in yesterday's Alice Grand Prix of Germany, the latest MotoGP round.

An excellent start from 11th position on the grid to fifth place into turn one signalled a change in fortunes for the Ramsey resident but he was unable to hold off his rivals in a mid-pack battle due to incorrect tyre choice.

The 27-year-old had taken a gamble with a slightly harder rear tyre in the hope the heavy rain would clear mid-race to make way for a drying track.

Unfortunately, by the time the rain began to ease off at half race distance, the Tech 3 Yamaha rider was already at a strong disadvantage on the time sheets.

With just nine laps to go, heavy rain fell once again and Toseland was forced to continue riding a safe race to pick up any points possible and further experience at MotoGP level.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider slips down to ninth position overall in the championship standings.

The race was won by Australian Casey Stoner, his third consecutive victory.

The 11th round of the Championship is in seven days time at Laguna Seca in America where surely there will be some long awaited sunshine.