Toseland reportedly in line for MotoGP return
Added on Friday, June 11th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Toseland reportedly in line for MotoGP return
James Toseland could be set for a temporary return to MotoGP following the injury to Valentino Rossi, according to reports.
With Yamaha looking for a replacement for the injured Rossi, reports have claimed that either James Toseland or Cal Crutchlow could be in line for a switch to MotoGP with the Tech 3 Yamaha team, with Colin Edwards likely to move from the satellite Yamaha team back to the seat he vacated in 2008.
Toseland had a two year-stint in MotoGP in 2008 and 2009 but failed to secure another contract with the Tech 3 Yamaha team for 2010, trading seats with WSB champion Ben Spies at Yamaha’s World Superbike team, and is reportedly head of a shortlist to be drafted in to cover for Rossi’s absence.
Toseland is thought to be preferred to Crutchlow due to his previous GP experience but Crutchlow, World Supersport champion last season, is considered to be hot property by Yamaha and could be handed his chance. Both riders being individually sponsored by energy drinks giant Monster is likely to make the transition even smoother, with Monster also being the title sponsor of the Tech 3 team.
But there will be no dream comeback for Toseland at Silverstone next weekend, with Yamaha remaining firm on their stance that they do not envisage naming a replacement until the Catalunya Grand Prix in July.
