Crash.net:
How tough was it for
James Toseland to make the decision to move to MotoGP?
Roger Burnett:
It has been a long process and, to be honest, a very difficult decision for James to make. He is always very sensitive about the effort that people put into helping him with his racing and the Ten Kate team, with Hannspree as the sponsor this year, have been an ideal combination. Having said that, he has got to further his career and he feels that he wants to fulfill his aspirations of measuring himself against the best riders in the world. MotoGP is the place to do that.
Crash.net:
What was it that clinched the Yamaha deal?
RB:
It was really that Yamaha made an offer for MotoGP which was a strong package for James. He wanted to start the year on a 2008 bike and as we know they, the Tech 3 team, have the latest bikes available. The full details of the package will come out in due course but it wasn't that difficult. The difficulty was whether to leave Superbike or go to MotoGP - that was the difficult bit. Once James figured that he would leave Superbike, then the MotoGP switch was natural and Yamaha gave us the best opportunity. The big push from Honda was just to stay in the World Superbike Championship and ultimately, that was not what he wanted.
Crash.net:
How is he feeling about Brands Hatch?
RB:
He is feeling great actually. He has really got his focus on winning this championship and it is going to take a lot to stop him because he is such a determined character and he has got his nose in front. We wanted a point's lead coming into Brands, we didn't know what Brands was going to be like. He was confident that he had a good race package.
Crash.net:
Neil Hodgson is here this weekend, can you shed any light on what his plans are?
RB:
He has stated in the commentary with Fred Clarke that he definitely wants to be in the World Superbike Championship next year. I'm aware of what the opportunities are in the paddock and there are very few to be honest. There are very few competitive rides and Neil can't afford to come and learn he hasn't got time on his side. He already knows it and it is just a question of him really persuading the team owners that he is really up for the job and that he really wants to give one hundred percent.
Crash.net:
What about Jonathan Rea. Will he come to WSBK or MotoGP?
RB:
I think
MotoGP, definitely not. Nobody goes from the British Championship to MotoGP - it isn't possible.
Casey Stoner for instance went from British Championships to MotoGP but in the 250 class, that
is possible. Eugene Laverty has done that too but getting onto a MotoGP bike isn't possible. It is too expensive and there is too much at stake for the teams and sponsors to actually give you the opportunity. So taking that aside and back to the question, Jonathan Rea needs to be in World Superbikes next year and if he is not, it is a crying shame.
