28.03.10 | Toseland back in battle
James Toseland's return to the Superbike World Championship continued to be difficult during today's two 22-lap races, but the Yorkshireman fought back with two strong points finishes. The Isle of Man resident started from 15th position on the grid following a crash during yesterday's Superpole 2, but worked his way through the pack on both occasions to clinch eighth and sixth positions at the chequered flag.
Despite riding with pain killing injections for a broken bone in his left hand, the British rider was determined to build points to ensure that championship contention is still possible. In the opening race of the day, the Sterilgarda Yamaha rider moved from 15th to 12th position on the opening lap but failed to make further progress for several laps. He continued to push for a front running place right to the end, passing Noriyuki Haga just ahead of the finish line to claim eighth position.
The BKS-supported rider worked with the team to make some further tweaks to the Yamaha ahead of race two with the intention of being more competitive in the second 22-lap battle of the day. A stronger start saw Toseland in 11th position in the early stages of the race and he continued to push forward into ninth place. He picked up another position when fellow Brit Jonathan Rea was forced to retire early from the race.
His determination continued as he passed Shane Byrne midway through the race before proceeding to take on the experienced Troy Corser for sixth. With more than a second separating him from Leon Camier in fifth place, Toseland set about hunting him down but was unable to catch him. He crossed the line in sixth.
"I'm reasonably happy to come away with 19 points from 15th on the grid and I've now broken into the top ten in the championship. The progress the team has made with the electronics on the bike since Phillip Island has been really strong. We still have a bit of work to do with fine tuning the system but I have every confidence in the team and the people I'm working with.
"I'd like to thank the Sterilgarda Yamaha for all of their efforts so far and I honestly believe that when we get the system working with the level of control I need, we'll have the strongest package out there."
Fan's comments
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Paula
What a result for you and Cal!! Next race will be a knock out.Take it easy on that hand,it will heal quicker if you can take a load off.xx
pidge1
Extremely well done JT, that was a fine performance yesterday considering where you started on the grid, you should be really pleased. With a good place on the grid you will definately be up there with the front runners and up on the podium in no time.