James Toseland loses MotoGP ride

**Matt Bleck** · 18th September 2009, 13:17

article here

James Toseland is likely to make a swift but reluctant return to World Superbikes in 2010 after losing his MotoGP ride.

World Superbike sensation Ben Spies has opted to quit World Superbikes and move to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad where he will join fellow Texan Colin Edwards next season in an all-American team.

According to MCN sources, Toseland’s departure was finalised earlier this week after meetings between Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal and senior Yamaha management in Milan.

Despite a hugely promising rookie campaign in 2008 when he claimed six top six finishes, the Yorkshireman has struggled to build on that success this season.

He was badly hindered by two massive pre-season crashes but only three top six finishes in the opening 13 races of 2009 have failed to save Toseland from the axe.

Spies, who recently signed a two-year deal with Yamaha, has decided to quit WSB even though he has yet to clinch the world title.

It was thought the triple American superbike champion would delay a decision on his 2010 plans until his WSB title fight with Ducati star Noriyuki Haga had been concluded.

But his decision has meant the end of Toseland’s MotoGP career after just two seasons racing against in the elite class.

MCN also understands Toseland’s manager Roger Burnett was in Milan this week trying to secure the 28-year-old British rider a place in Yamaha’s World Superbike squad as replacement for Spies.

But there is fierce competition for an R1 ride with World Supersport leader Cal Crutchlow a leading candidate. Aussie Chris Vermeulen also held talks with Yamaha management in Italy this week.

An official announcement on Spies’ decision could be made shortly with details now being leaked. If not the deal will probably made official at the Imola WSB round next weekend.

Spies’ decision to move to MotoGP will leave British fans without a home rider to support in 2010.

**Tony.OK** · 18th September 2009, 13:42

That kinda sucks, had high hopes for JT, but the flip side is looking forward to seeing what Spies can do with a GP bike.

**Mort** · 18th September 2009, 14:16

If JT can score Ben Spies old WSBK ride it will be a good result. Everyone wants to see what Spies can do in MotoGP and JT is an awesome superbike rider. He could go on to be better than Foggy. He has massive support in the UK and superbike racing is very popular there. Its a shame he couldn't continue in MotoGP but he has every chance of true greatness in WSBK

**Cleve** · 18th September 2009, 14:32

This is contrary to an earlier report that had Spies signing for 1 more year of SBK before going to MotoGP. Has it changed or is this another MCN bullshit story?
I do hope the later though as I think MotoGP is where Spies should be.

**slowpoke** · 18th September 2009, 14:36

I'm not a fan of JT so if someones gotta go for Spies to get a ride then JT is as good as anybody! I'm prayin' Spies is there next season.

**Matt Bleck** · 18th September 2009, 14:38

Originally Posted by Cleve

This is contrary to an earlier report that had Spies signing for 1 more year of SBK before going to MotoGP. Has it changed or is this another MCN bullshit story?
I do hope the later though as I think MotoGP is where Spies should be.

I think it's a given that he will go to MotoGP but nothing "offical" yet.

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 18th September 2009, 14:58

I'd heard JT was going to campain a moto gp2 600 for Yamaha next season? Not sure where I heard it.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 18th September 2009, 15:12

Is one seriously fast Mofo! Send him to Moto GP pronto!

**vifferman** · 18th September 2009, 15:47

Originally Posted by slowpoke

I'm not a fan of JT

Me neither, and more to the point, Colin Edwards hates him, and when asked why, says, "He's an asshole!" Kinda unusual for such an easy-going guy, but I can understand why.
After 'stealing' Edwards' testing and development data, Toseland 'stole' Edwards' pit crew.
It will be more betterer for Tech3 Yamaha and for Edwards to have Spies on the team.

**Badjelly** · 18th September 2009, 17:27

Originally Posted by Matt Bleck

...Spies’ decision to move to MotoGP will leave British fans without a home rider to support in 2010.

I think Toseland would have been out of Tech3 whatever Spies decided. JT hasn't performed in MotoGP and there are plenty of hungry young riders who would have gladly filled in for a year if Spies had decided to wait.

**Badjelly** · 18th September 2009, 17:31

Originally Posted by Cleve

This is contrary to an earlier report that had Spies signing for 1 more year of SBK before going to MotoGP. Has it changed or is this another MCN bullshit story?

I think the original announcement from Yamaha was worded somewhat vaguely. I read in a few places that Spies was definitely going to be in WSBK for 2010 then MotoGP for 2011, but elsewhere I read that this hadn't actually been said, just that he had a 2-year contract with the option to move to MotoGP.

Isn't the silly season fun?

**Bren_chch** · 18th September 2009, 18:33

i rekon that if JT hadn't listened to those moaners (bosses/riders) who at the start of his motogp career told him to calm his aggressive racing style down he'd be in a different position now.

**I'm motarded** · 18th September 2009, 18:37

Interesting reading, cant wait to see whats going to happen....

They offered me the empty R1 seat but I had to turn it down due to work commitments

um I meant my Ducati contract.

**slowpoke** · 18th September 2009, 19:19

Originally Posted by Bren_chch

i rekon that if JT hadn't listened to those moaners (bosses/riders) who at the start of his motogp career told him to calm his aggressive racing style down he'd be in a different position now.

Yep, he would've been out of a job last year instead of this one...