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 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. Motorcycle News
Yamaha MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis said clarification on British rider Toseland’s future would be released imminently, with Spies opting to enter the MotoGP world championship a year in advance of his original intentions.
Jarvis said: “We are still in the process of organising next year.”
“Ben signed a two-year deal and at this moment it is still for World Superbike in 2010 and MotoGP in 2011.”
“But there is a possibility that he might make the switch and I would say that clarification will come sooner rather than later.”
“With regards to James’ place, we have so far only been able to confirm Colin (Edwards) in the Tech 3 team. James’ space indeed does become uncertain if there was a scenario where Ben would make a move to the Tech 3 team.” Motorcycle News
