GSE Racing close WSBK chapter with triple podium.

HM Plant/GSE Racing closed out their current stay in the World Superbike Championship with three podium appearances in four combined starts for Chris Walker and James Toseland on Sunday in Magny Cours.

Walker took a superb third position behind the factory Ducati's of Neil Hodgson and Ruben Xaus in race one after holding off a determined charge from Gregorio Lavilla while Toseland also disputed the podium positions in the early part of the 23-lap race but eventually had to settle for fifth.

Toseland was third into the first corner at the start of the race, with Walker in fifth, but the 23-year-old Sheffield rider soon overtook Regis Laconi to challenge World Champion Hodgson. Despite momentarily taking the lead on lap two, Toseland became embroiled for most of the race in a three-way battle for third place with his teammate and the factory Alstare Corona Suzuki of Lavilla.

Xaus moved up to second as the pace increased at mid-distance and Walker followed him through on lap 18 to take the final podium position - despite the close attention of Lavilla. Toseland lost touch with his adversaries in the closing stages but was in a safe fifth position at the chequered flag.

"That was a really enjoyable race," said Walker. "I didn't get a good start but I was determined to stay out of trouble in the early stages. I got my head down, worked hard and closed the gap enough to challenge for third. The set-up on my HM Plant Ducati was excellent today and the Dunlop's were working really well. I'll try to get off the line quicker in the next race and hopefully get a bit closer to the leaders."

"The race didn't really get off to a good start but I made up for that on the first lap," said Toseland. "I was able to run with Hodgson in the early stages and even made a move for the lead on the second lap. Everything felt good at that stage but I think that I selected the wrong tyre for race conditions. It was the same one as I tested over race distance yesterday but I didn't get the same results today. We'll look at the set-up between races and hopefully be able to finish the year off on a high."

In race two things were better as Toseland and Walker both finished on the podium thanks to Neil Hodgson's late race spill while running in second place.

The HM Plant Ducati duo had been disputing third position in the closing stages of the race when World Champion Hodgson crashed out of second on lap 21 of 23 while closing in on his Fila Ducati teammate - and eventual race winner - Ruben Xaus.

With Regis Laconi only finishing in 16th position after encountering some technical problems during the race, Toseland's 20 points for second elevated him to third overall in the final standings for the series. Walker also completed his season by confirming his highest ever position in the championship in sixth.

The highlight of the race was undoubtedly the titanic battle between Toseland and Walker. With no team orders, it was every man for himself, as the HM Plant Ducati teammates thrashed their way around the 4.411km French F1 Grand Prix circuit near Lyon. Determined to make up for his first race disappointment, Toseland just held the advantage as the orange and black machines crossed the line in tandem for the last time.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be back on the podium and take third place in the championship," said 23-year-old Toseland. "That was a fantastic way to finish my best year in the Superbike World Championship. Chris and I had a huge battle out on the track, but it was fair and square right down to the wire.

"I'm so pleased for everyone associated with the team. It was fitting for us to pull off such a good set of results today. You couldn't have scripted it any better with Chris and I on the podium for the team's last race. I'd like to thank GSE Racing and HM Plant for all their help and assistance over the past three years. The team may not be continuing next year, but I hope to follow former GSE Racing riders Troy Bayliss and Neil Hodgson to more success with Ducati Corse."

Walker was equally delighted with his second podium finish of the day. "I've had an awesome year with HM Plant Ducati and it was important for me to repay them for the faith that they have shown in me with a couple of strong results," said the popular Nottingham rider. "Unfortunately, I just failed in my quest to beat Gregorio Lavilla to fifth in the championship, but at least James and I put on a good show for the fans today."