Toseland thanks Yamaha team
KIVETON'S James Toseland said goodbye to MotoGP with a 12th place finish in Valencia at the weekend.
The outgoing Yamaha Tech 3 rider fought hard for a top 10 finish at the Spanish grand prix, but a rear tyre problem slowed him down.
Toseland finished his second season in MotoGP on 92 points and will now move back down to World Superbikes, staying with Yamaha.
After racing in front of 94,177 MotoGP fans in Spain, Toseland said he was proud of his final performance for Tech 3.
"I really enjoyed my last race," he said. "I wanted to give my team everything I had and I'm proud to say I did that."
"I had a good first few laps and took a few risks with not a lot of temperature in the tyres and got myself into a good position."
"But unfortunately on about lap 15 the rear tyre turned on the rim and I wasn't able to keep the pace and stay in the bunch that were battling for seventh place."
Despite falling out with team-mate Colin Edwards earlier in the season, Toseland was full of praise for the Texan's form, which led him to fifth place in the final championships.
Toseland said: "I'd like to congratulate Colin for fifth in the championship because he has done a brilliant job."
Although the 2009 season was a difficult one for the British racer, he said he was grateful to the Tech 3 team for their help.
"I'd like to thank everybody working with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team for all the effort and support they have given me."
"I've had an absolutely fantastic time with them and I'll take a lot of interest in how they perform in the future."
"I've made a lot of friends in MotoGP and at Tech 3 and the team will always hold a special place in my heart."
"Now I've got to look to the future and I do so relishing a new challenge with Yamaha."
Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal spoke highly of the departing rider, highlighting his work ethic and motivation.
Speaking after the race in Valencia he said: "I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to James for all his hard work since he joined us at the end of 2007."
"We've had some up and downs but he brought a lot to the team."
"He is a true gentleman and he has been one of the hardest working and highly motivated riders ever to be at Tech 3."
"I'm sure he will keep Yamaha on top in World Superbikes," he added.
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Weather for Dinnington
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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