Brands; Toseland Scores A Neat Double
Added on Monday, August 6th, 2007 by Carole Nash Editor
Brands; Toseland Scores A Neat Double
The word from Ten Kate Honda;
It couldn’t have come at a better time - or place - but James Toseland finally achieved his long-held aim of completing a victory double at a World Superbike meeting with two wins in front of his home fans on Sunday.
Although he has been a regular podium-topper since graduating to the top flight, ‘the double’ has always evaded JT - until his final appearance on British soil, at Brands Hatch.
Just days after confirming that he will be switching to MotoGP with Tech 3 next season, the HANNspree Ten Kate rider shrugged off the disappointment of not claiming pole position to turn in two superlative performances to hold off the Yamahas of Troy Corser and Nori Haga and end his relationship with Britain’s WSBK fans on a high note.
Race one saw the Honda ace battling with reigning world champion Troy Bayliss and namesake Corser for top spot, eventually gaining the advantage just before Bayliss crashed out, and leaving Corser and Max Biaggi in his wake to fill the other spots on the podium. It was the other Yamaha who provided the opposition in race two, as Haga repeatedly swapped places with Toseland in a thrilling dice for the lead.
By lap 22, however, the Briton had pulled out a gap of more than a second and held station until the chequered flag despite Haga and Corser both breathing down his neck.
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment and I can’t quite believe I have finally done it,” Toseland sighed with satisfaction, “It’s taken me seven years, but to get the double win at Brands Hatch was well worth the wait.”
He celebrated by throwing all but his underwear and back protector into the fanatical Brands Hatch crowd, having extended his championship lead to 66 points with just three double-header rounds remaining.
“The crowd here today have been absolutely amazing, and I can’t thank them enough for their support,” he explained, having donned a replacement set of leathers for the podium celebration, “On top of that, I dedicate the wins to my team, my family and my friends.”
