Estoril MotoGP: James Toseland delighted at 2009 Yamaha deal

James Toseland has spoken of his delight at clinching an extension to his current Yamaha contract for the 2009 MotoGP world championship after just two races of his rookie season.

The 27-year-old has already exercised an option with the French-based Tech 3 team for 2009 in a deal revealed exclusively earlier on today by MCN.

Talks between Toseland’s manager Roger Burnett, Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal and Yamaha management commenced before the start of his rookie campaign after he’d impressed during winter testing.

His brilliant start which saw him claim two top six finishes in his first two races, including a stunning debut front row in Qatar, saw whirlwind negotiations completed.
The option on Toseland’s current deal didn’t expire until September.

Toseland’s signing was a double boost for Tech 3, with confirmation today that negotiations to extend its contact with Yamaha until the end of 2010 had been successful.

Toseland said: “I am extremely grateful to Tech 3 and Yamaha for giving me this fantastic opportunity. For them to show confidence and trust in my ability after just two races is very flattering.

“Signing for 2009 gives me the time to really develop with the team, Yamaha and Michelin. When I first tested for Tech 3 last November in Sepang, I knew instantly I’d made the right decision. I knew I could accomplish what I wanted to achieve in MotoGP and that was to prove that I could be competitive.

“Thanks to Tech 3, Yamaha and Michelin, I have done that after two races. The team and Yamaha welcomed me right from the start and gave me 100 per cent backing.  The belief shown in me from Tech 3, and in particular Herve Poncharal, has been incredible. Before this season I had never worked with Yamaha, so for me to gain confidence from the factory in such a short space of time is great.

“I think I have already proved that I deserve to be in MotoGP, and that I can be an asset to the championship, to the team and to Yamaha. I believe that Tech 3 and Yamaha will help me realise my goals of winning races and the championship in MotoGP, and I hope this is the start of a long and successful relationship.”