James Toseland may have only competed in two MotoGP races, but the Englishman has already reached an agreement to remain at Tech 3 Yamaha for the 2009 season.
Despite using the less powerful spring-valve engine for the first two rounds, Toseland qualified a superb second on the grid for his first ever MotoGP race and finished in sixth place at both Qatar and
Jerez.
The early contract extension indicates just how highly the double World Superbike champion is already regarded by both Tech 3 and Yamaha, and means that the 27-year-old - together with fellow star rookie
Jorge Lorenzo of the factory team - will definitely be staying on M1s next year.
The two other 2009 Yamaha MotoGP rides are still potentially up for grabs, with
Valentino Rossi's contract expiring at the end of this season, while Toseland's Tech 3 team-mate
Colin Edwards is believed to be on a one-year deal.
"I am extremely grateful to Tech 3 and Yamaha for giving me this fantastic opportunity," said Toseland. "For them to show confidence and trust in my ability after just two races is very flattering. Signing for 2009 gives me the time to really develop with the team, Yamaha and Michelin.
"When I first tested for Tech 3 last November in Sepang, I knew instantly I'd made the right decision. I knew I could accomplish what I wanted to achieve in MotoGP and that was to prove that I could be competitive. Thanks to Tech 3, Yamaha and Michelin, I have done that after two races.
"The team and Yamaha welcomed me right from the start and gave me 100 per cent backing. The belief shown in me from Tech 3, and in particular Herve Poncharal, has been incredible. Before this season I had never worked with Yamaha, so for me to gain confidence from the factory in such a short space of time is great.
"I think I have already proved that I deserve to be in
MotoGP, and that I can be an asset to the championship, to the team and to Yamaha. I believe that Tech 3 and Yamaha will help me realise my goals of winning races and the championship in MotoGP, and I hope this is the start of a long and successful relationship."
