Toseland: The depth of the field was strong!

Toseland reflects on his return to the World Superbike arena in 2010 as he continues to make plans for the future.
Toseland, French WSBK 2010
Toseland, French WSBK 2010
© Gold and Goose

James Toseland has spoken out about his 2010 World Superbike Championship season, saying the sheer strength in competition prevented him from being mirroring his 2004 and 2007 title-winning form this year.

Toseland returned to the Superbike series this season with Yamaha after two disappointing years on the MotoGP stage, but while he was tipped to launch a title challenge with the 2009 championship-winning team, his form fluctuated.

Failing to win a single race and finishing the year down in ninth position overall, Toseland was disappointed with the final result, though he maintains that when 'things were going right', he was at the same level he has always been.

"When I was running at the front of races in Monza and Assen I did not feel I was being stretched any more than I was when I was racing Bayliss in '07, or Haga in '04," he said.

"When everything was going right it didn't feel like there was any differences at the front of the race. It is just the depth of the field that was strong this year. In '07, when you had some issues, you finished third. In 2010 you would finish seventh or eighth."

Toseland also touched on the effect technology has had on the sport, claiming it is now easier for riders to achieve similar lap times.

"In qualifying, the traction control and riders aids have made the bikes more rideable for a wider span of people. So, instead of there being seven or eight people in a second you are seeing 16 or 17. But that is good for the racing!"

Having lost his ride with Yamaha, Toseland is believed to be on the verge of joining the satellite BMW Italia team alongside Superstock 1000 champion Ayrton Badovini in 2011.

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