17.11.09Brave battle for Toseland’s season finale

PBRA-supported MotoGP star James Toseland rounded off the 2009 season with a gallant ride to 12th at the Valencia Grand Prix.

In his last appearance for the Tech 3 Yamaha squad before a move to the factory Yamaha World Superbike team, Toseland enjoyed a stunning start and several early overtakes to leap into 11th. The Brit was locked in a thrilling dice with Ben Spies, Andrea Dovizioso, Mika Kallio, Alex de Angelis and Marco Melandri in the first half of the race. However, a small rear tyre issue prevented Toseland from maintaining his fast and consistent pace and he slipped back to finish 12th.
 
James Toseland
"I really enjoyed my last race. I wanted to give my team everything I had and I'm proud to say I did that. I had a good first few laps and took a few risks with not a lot of temperature in the tyres and got myself into a good position. But unfortunately on about lap 15 the rear tyre turned on the rim and I wasn't able to keep the pace and stay in the bunch that were battling for seventh place. I'd like to congratulate Colin for fifth in the championship because he has done a brilliant job. I'd like to thank everybody working with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team for all the effort and support they have given me. I've had an absolutely fantastic time with them and I'll take a lot of interest in how they perform in the future. I've made a lot of friends in MotoGP and at Tech 3 and the team will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I've got to look to the futu re and I do so relishing a new challenge with Yamaha."