World Superbikes: Rivals talk about James Toseland's MotoGP move

As the departing championJames Toseland moves to MotoGP for 2008, some of the men who have been in both World Superbikes and the blue-riband class have spoken about Toseland’s chances.

Two-time World Superbike champion Troy Corser made the move to MotoGP as reigning champion in 1997, his stint coming to a premature end when his team collapsed midseason.

Troy Corser said: “If the one make tyre rule comes in everyone will be on the same rubber so that’s one good thing for James.

“If the equipment the team gets is equal then there is no reason why he can’t be competitive. You only have to look at (Chris) Vermeulen, he got the same quality tyre as the lead guys and he’s been able to get on the podium.

“I think it’s good timing for James to be going now. For me the MotoGP bikes look easier to ride because of the level of the electronics.

“I’ve spoken to Casey Stoner and he tells me the thing doesn’t spin so then it’s down to braking and corner speed because everyone can open the throttle at the same time.

“At the moment James is not afraid to brake late and park it, but although he can probably ride the bike like that I’m not sure he’ll be fast so he’s going to have to change his style a bit. At the end of the day he’s done the job here in WSB, so good luck to him.”

Alstare Suzuki’s Max Biaggi spent years on works bikes in 500GP and MotoGP, and he spoke of the cultural differences between current top two series.

Max Biaggi said: “It’s very difficult to say how he will do, but he will discover something very different from WSB when he arrives that is for sure. Maybe he will like, maybe he won’t like.”

Yamaha rider Noriyuki Haga rode a works YZR500 in MotoGP, and said: “I don’t know how he can go in his first year, but in the future I think he can win some races.

“He should go well there because he is quite tough and he has good concentration. I hope he can win some races, no I hope he can win all the races.”

Ruben Xaus rode for the same Tech 3 Yamaha team James Toseland is moving to, but had a nightmare year never gelling with the bike.

Ruben Xaus said: “James is a good guy and I’m pleased that he has got the chance and I will be pleased for him if he can get results in MotoGP.

“It’s hard to make it in MotoGP riding for a satellite team and you either have to be very lucky or very good to make the jump.”