Dutch MotoGP: James Toseland to focus on winning World Superbike crown

James Toseland’s Ten Kate World Superbike squad have said they would have dismissed an official approach to release the British rider to replace injured Toni Elias in MotoGP. 

Fausto Gresini contacted Toseland’s manager Roger Burnett on Thursday after Spaniard Elias broke his left femur in a crash in opening free practice for the Dutch MotoGP.

Toni Elias is expected to be out of action for at least three months after undergoing successful surgery in Assen on Friday.

Had an official approach to Honda and Ten Kate been made for James Toseland’s services, it would have been rejected out of hand, with Toseland locked in a battle to claim his second World Superbike championship in 2007.

Ronald Ten Kate told MCN: “The answer would definitely have been no. James’ priority is to win the World Superbike championship and we have already committed him to the Suzuka Eight-hour for Honda.  That is enough in an already hectic season and we wouldn’t have allowed it.”

More James Toseland and Ten Kate reaction in Wednesday’s MCN (available from Wednesday, July 3), plus full coverage on the Dutch MotoGP.