Tech 3 Yamaha nearing James Toseland decision

James Toseland could be told whether he has a MotoGP future at the next race in Indianapolis.

The British rider is out of contract at the end of the season and desperate to stay with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad to avoid a quick return to World Superbikes.

No decision though has yet been taken by Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal, despite speculation that Dorna is reluctant to lose a British rider off the grid in 2010.

Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta is getting increasingly concerned by the heavy Italian and Spanish influence in MotoGP, with Hector Barbera, Alvaro Bautista and Marco Simoncelli poised to join Valentino Rossi, Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Andrea Dovizsioso, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo on the 2010 grid.

Ezpeleta is keen to retain some international flavour to the world championship and is aware of the importance of the UK market to Dorna. That has strengthened Toseland’s case, and the investment from Dorna to keep Toseland would also benefit the cash-strapped Tech 3 squad.

But the 28-year-old has been plagued by inconsistency during his second season in the premier class, and several other names have been linked with the double World Superbike champion’s YZR-M1 slot.

Poncharal told MCN: “I’m hoping to have some more firm plans fixed in Indianapolis next week. It is getting to that time when decisions need to be taken and as I have always said, James is a contender for next season.” One of the Tech 3 Yamaha bikes will definitely go to Colin Edwards and or WSB rookie sensation Ben Spies.