Toseland drops Superbikes, heads to MotoGP

France's Sylvain Guintoli riding a Dunlop Tech 3 Yamaha at the German MotoGP. Photo / Reuters

LONDON - Britain's former world Superbike champion James Toseland will switch to MotoGP next season with Tech3 Yamaha, the factory-supported team says.

"I am delighted to have secured a rider of James's calibre and am looking forward to working with him," said team principal Herve Poncharal in a statement.

"Procuring James is a major coup for Tech 3 Yamaha and for the MotoGP championship in extending our reach into Northern Europe."

There are no regular British riders currently in the top category of grand prix racing.

Toseland became the youngest world Superbike champion in 2004 and the 26-year-old Doncaster-born rider, who is also an accomplished pianist, is currently leading the standings in the championship.

- REUTERS