MOTOGP VALENCIA: TYRE PROBLEMS DEMOTE TOSELAND

By David Miller

Picture by: Yamaha Racing

Monster Yamaha's James Toseland couldn't get a final top ten position in his last MotoGP race at Valencia today after suffering tyre problems halfway through.

The former World Superbike Champion, who returns to the series next year, ended his final outing in 12th place and was full of praise for the Tech3 team and Colin Edwards.

“I really enjoyed my last race. I wanted to give my team everything I had and I'm proud to say I did that. I had a good first few laps and took a few risks with not a lot of temperature in the tyres and got myself into a good position," said Toseland.

"But unfortunately on about lap 15 the rear tyre turned on the rim and I wasn't able to keep the pace and stay in the bunch that were battling for seventh place. I'd like to congratulate Colin for fifth in the championship because he has done a brilliant job.

"I'd like to thank everybody working with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team for all the effort and support they have given me. I've had an absolutely fantastic time with them and I'll take a lot of interest in how they perform in the future.

"I've made a lot of friends in MotoGP and at Tech 3 and the team will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I've got to look to the future and I do so relishing a new challenge with Yamaha.”

Click here for results