IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Following weeks of speculation, James Toseland would like to confirm that he will not continue to ride in the Superbike World Championship® in 2008. The British rider has decided to pursue his MotoGP ambitions next season. Confirmation of the decision at this early stage in the season enables a much wider window of opportunity for the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda team to secure a high calibre replacement. However, the main focus for James for the remainder of the 2007 series is securing the championship title. “I would like to thank the team for all of their help and support,” says James. “I have enjoyed two of the best years of my racing career with Ten Kate and Honda, and HANNspree has been a fantastic sponsor this year. I could not have achieved as much as I have without the team’s assistance and expertise and I remain 100 per cent committed to securing the title for them this year. I would like to wish them the best of luck for the future.” James would prefer not to discuss future matters at this time while he concentrates on the task at hand. He respectfully requests that the media honours his decision. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Tech 3 Yamaha would like to announce that it has secured the services of James Toseland for the 2008 season. The British rider will begin his MotoGP career with the Yamaha factory supported organisation next year. Toseland who is currently leading the Superbike World Championship by 43 points has already proved his racing credentials. He was the youngest ever World Superbike Champion in 2004 and is aiming to secure the title once again this season. “I am delighted to have secured a rider of James’ calibre and am looking forward to working with him,” says Team Principal Herve Poncharal. “Procuring James is a major coup for Tech 3 Yamaha and for the MotoGP championship in extending our reach into Northern Europe. It is an exciting time for us all and I am certain that he will be an integral part of the team’s future.” Further details, including James’ team structure will be announced in due course.