MotoGP: Yamaha joy at luring James Toseland to MotoGP

Yamaha MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis has spoken of his delight that the satellite Tech 3 squad beat off fierce competition to win the race for the in-demand British star James Toseland.

James Toseland’s switch from World Superbikes was confirmed during the recent summer break when he agreed a deal to join Herve Poncharal’s Tech 3 Yamaha squad.

James Toseland wasn’t short of interest for 2008 with several MotoGP teams chasing his signature after a brilliant performance in this year’s World Superbike series.

He became one of world racing’s hottest properties as Fausto Gresini’s Honda squad was interested in the 26-year-old, while Ducati had contacted him about a ride in the D’Antin squad.

But James Toseland chose Yamaha, and he will be partnered by former Castrol Honda team-mate Colin Edwards, who will move from the Fiat Yamaha factory team next season.

Talking to MCN, Lin Jarvis said: “James is a young and talented rider. Obviously now unfortunately for us (Yamaha) in World superbike he’s leading the championship and it looks right now that he’s on course for a second title.

“He has a dream to come to MotoGP to prove himself and he has a lot of confidence in his ability. I think that the UK and northern Europe needs more talent to come to MotoGP.”

Lin Jarvis met James Toseland once during a series of meetings to discuss his future, and said he was impressed by his attitude and professionalism. And he said their future partnership would be of mutual benefit to both Yamaha and James Toseland.

“He is a very nice guy. I met him only once but we had a long meeting and a very good meeting. He has a very good professional attitude. In my opinion it is a golden opportunity for him, but also a great opportunity for Yamaha to take a young British rider and to see what he can do, “added Lin Jarvis.

Asked why he thought James Toseland had been convinced to sign for Yamaha, shunning other MotoGP offers and a lucrative deal to remain in World Superbike with the Ten Kate Honda squad, Lin Jarvis told MCN: “I think it was a genuine sense of interest from Yamaha and Tech 3. There could have been other teams he could have gone to and considered, but at the end of the day Herve had genuine interest to take James as a person.

“Yamaha is a more human environment and I feel that James Toseland is sensitive to that. In the meeting that I had with him, I told him ‘this is what Yamaha can do, this is what Tech 3 can do and I think it will be a good choice for you.’ I told him to follow his own dream and his heart and whatever decision he really believes is right for him.

“So I think he had good offers to stay in World Superbikes and other good offers in MotoGP, but I believe for him he’s a made a good decision.”