Toseland fights on after Silverstone fall.

2007 World Superbike championship leader James Toseland suffered a scare at Silverstone on Sunday, when he fell on lap three in the treacherously wet conditions.

However, the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider sprung immediately to his feet and got his CBR1000RR back into the race. Then - despite substantial damage - fought his way back up to eighth at the chequered flag, albeit one lap down.

Toseland, Silverstone WSBK Race 1 2007
Toseland, Silverstone WSBK Race 1 2007
© Gold and Goose

2007 World Superbike championship leader James Toseland suffered a scare at Silverstone on Sunday, when he fell on lap three in the treacherously wet conditions.

However, the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda rider sprung immediately to his feet and got his CBR1000RR back into the race. Then - despite substantial damage - fought his way back up to eighth at the chequered flag, albeit one lap down.

"As he picked up the bike everyone could see that the cooling water had come out and he rode the rest of the race with no coolant in the engine," confirmed team manager Ronald ten Kate. "The engine managed to last until the end, which is a success in itself. James managed to climb up the ladder to eighth place, which is even more admirable because he had a broken handlebar as well."

"I made a mistake, but I was determined to re-mount the bike and claim as many points as possible," said Toseland afterwards. "It was tough going but in the end I got eight crucial points and I still have the lead."

With nearest title rival Noriyuki Haga second in race one, Toseland's points lead was cut to 23 - under one race victory - over the Japanese. Any chance of Toseland making amends in front of his home fans in race two was then lost after the weather deteriorated further - but JT supported the decision to scrap the second outing.

"Of course I am disappointed about race two - I am a racer and I was ready to race and get back the points lost in race one. However, I know that safety has to come first and I respect the decision of the organisers," he said.

"The weekend started positively for us but it's ended on quite a low," admitted ten Kate. "James came here hoping to get the double, or at least good results for his home crowd. Instead of this he didn't even get to race two races. I am behind the decision that has been made because in this sport, safety must come first and if safety is an issue then we have to stop."

Team-mate Roberto Rolfo finished fourth in race one.

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