MotoGP 2009: Biggest disappointment

Kawasaki’s withdrawal was a massive disappointment, while Andrea Dovizioso’s failure to capture no other podium apart from his British GP win on a factory Honda rider raised questions about his ability to worry the likes of Rossi, Stoner and Lorenzo.

But Toseland’s failure to build on a promising rookie campaign was bitterly disappointing. Rocked by two huge pre-season crashes, Toseland failed to capitalise on a switch to Bridgestone tyres and a Yamaha YZR-M1 that was comfortably the best package on the grid.

The British rider only scored three top six finishes all season and twuce got black flagged in Laguna Seca and Phillip Island. He was easily outpaced by team-mate Edwards and by the end of the season had been condemned to a return to World Superbikes having lost his job to Spies. Another major disappointment is that his departure leaves no British rider in MotoGP next season.