Toseland
It is fair to say that 2007 has not been good sports wise.
England’s diabolical Euro 2008 campaign has dominated both the tabloid and broadsheet agendas whilst the Lewis Hamilton fairy tale was shattered at the final hurdle, just like the England Rugby team at the World Cup.
But if you look deeper into the column inches you will find success. Success that has probably not got the recognition it deserves.
Step forward Sir James Toseland. Well, not a Sir yet, but if his racing ability has anything to go by then the ultimate accolade will surely be a matter of when and not if.
His second World Superbike title has come at a time when British motor sport has been crying out for a winner. Not since the Carl Fogarty era have we had a double world champion and Toseland admits his latest achievement has been a major boost for the sport.
“Winning the title is a long and difficult journey, but once achieved it is an amazing feeling and one I will never forget,” he said
“Winning this season, with such a competitive field of riders, feels like a huge achievement.”
“To beat the likes of Biaggi, Bayliss, Haga and Corser is incredible. This has been a fantastic season, not only for me but for the World Superbike Championship.”
The season has mirrored the success of his 2004 title with Ducati, where he became the youngest ever champion at 23, but with the depth of field much stronger, does this win mean more to him?
“They are both of equal satisfaction. The first one will always be precious because I achieved my lifetime goal and became the youngest-ever World Superbike Champion at the age of 23. It was amazing.”
However, Toseland’s riding style has not been the only thing that has been admired throughout his career. Many of the 120,000 people who were at Brands Hatch this season witnessed his superb solo performance of God Save the Queen half hour before the first race.
His singing and piano talents in his band Crash have seen him gain a whole new audience away from motorcycling, yet he states that racing will always be his first love:
“I enjoy music and playing with the band, but that is just fun for me and a good release from racing. Motorcycle racing is my career and my life,” he said.
With the season now over, Toseland is already focusing on next year as he moves to Moto GP where he will ride for Yamaha’s Satellite Team alongside another former World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards. His winter testing in Malaysia has given him good insight into what lies ahead and instilled a great deal of optimism.
“Testing went really well. It was a three-day test in Sepang, Malaysia. I went from four degrees in the Isle of Man to 40 degrees in Malaysia, so it was really hot – especially in leathers – and a big culture shock. It proved to be a very competitive environment, but I got a great starting point for Moto GP.
“I don’t have any expectations. I am going to work hard and give it my best shot, and believe that anything is possible.”
To cap the season off, Toseland has been named among the ten stars up for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, yet he is keeping tight lipped on rumours stating whether he will be singing.
“You will have to watch it to find out,” he said.
