James Toseland looking forward to Bridgestone debut

British rider James Toseland is back on track in Jerez tomorrow (Wednesday), eagerly anticipating his debut on Bridgestone tyres at the Spanish circuit.

The 27-year-old missed the post-season test session in Valencia but will return to action on his 2008 spec Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1 for a two-day session in Jerez that gets underway tomorrow.

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Toseland, who claimed six top six finishes in his rookie campaign while riding for Michelin, told MCN: “I am really looking forward to it. It was a shame that we couldn’t have tested in Valencia and tried the tyres there because I believe from what everybody was saying was that the tyres all worked well.

“There was obviously some concern that a one-make tyre would suit some bikes and styles and not others, but across the board everybody seemed really pleased with the product that Bridgestone supplied. I’m really pleased that Valentino (Rossi) pushed as hard as he did to get on the Bridgestones in 2008 because Yamaha has had the opportunity to develop the bike on those tyres.

“That will really give us a head start for next year with the base setting because I’m going to be on the ’08 bike but with a standard Bridgestone setting.”

Asked what he expected from the tyres having observed the performance of the Bridgestone tyres in 2009, Toseland said: “From what I’ve seen, the initial braking point was quite similar but they were very confident braking into the apex. That was really noticeable and everybody says the front tyre is very good.”

The test will also give Toseland his first chance to work with new crew chief Gary Reynders, who will join the double World Superbike champion after a controversial split from Colin Edwards at the end of the season.

The move leaves Edwards teaming up with Guy Coulon after Toseland requested a change because of communication issues with Coulon during the 2008 campaign.