World Superbike News

Ben Spies - Yamaha World Superbike 2009

MotoGP rider James Toseland and World Supersport rider Cal Crutchlow, will both be riding for the Yamaha World Superbike team in the 2010 Championship.

With Ben Spies confirming his seat in MotoGP on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team today, Toseland will be taking his place as he returns to the World Superbike series.

Toseland said;

“I’m looking forward to returning to World Superbikes.  I want to show I’m still the rider that can win world titles. Of course there is some disappointment at losing my opportunity in MotoGP as I believe the challenge was still achievable, but the R1 has proven to be beyond the strongest bikes in Superbike and I know many of the Yamaha World Superbike Team guys, so I’m going to pick up where I left off and give 100% to achieving good results with the team.

Within Superbike there were a few options available to me, however the way Yamaha have treated me since I joined them has been outstanding.  They gave me a great opportunity in MotoGP, but now I do wish Ben all the best in his campaign and my aim is to continue Yamaha’s success in World Superbike.”

Cal Crutchlow has had a remarkable rookie season with the Yamaha World Supersport team, claiming 9 pole position and 5 wins and is leading the championship by 2 points.

Crutchlow said;

“I’m happy to stay to be staying with Yamaha.  This will be my second year of my two year contract as agreed when I started in Supersport this year. Moving up to World Superbike will be a great challenge, I’m looking forward to it and am under no illusion as to how hard it is but I intend to do a good job.

I’m also looking forward to riding with another Briton.  Ben is obviously doing really well this year and I wish him luck for the last two WSB rounds and next year in MotoGP. It’s great to be working with Yamaha again in 2010.”