Toseland Holds No Regrets over MotoGP Move

James Toseland will be returning to the World Superbike series next year as a defending world champion. However, his 2-year stint in the MotoGP resembled little to a world champion-like effort, as he barely made an impression in the premier FIM motorcycle series. And the 2009 season finale made no exception, as the British rider only managed a 12th place at the finish line.

Nevertheless, looking back at his time with Yamaha Tech 3, Toseland insisted he doesn't hold any regrets over his MotoGP move. He did come to the series as a reigning WSBK champion and everybody expected him to build on that success, but as far as he's concerned, he did give it his all to succeed.

“The team has done a great job for me for the last two years, and congratulations to Colin for getting the fifth place. But it's been a tough year,” said Toseland in an interview with BBC. The British driver has so far been outpaced by teammate Colin Edwards on every occasion this season and finished 14th in the overall classification.

“It's been an honour to represent my country in the elite class in motorcycling. It hasn't really gone as I wanted it to, but that's not down to lack of effort. I don't feel like I've failed because I've put in everything that I've got,” added the British rider.

Toseland will switch places with reigning WSBK champion Ben Spies next year, as the North American rider has already signed an agreement with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for the upcoming season. In exchange, Toseland will return to the WSBK, this time riding for Yamaha WSB, trying to defend his title in 2007.