By Dan Moakes
July 23 2004

He was a virtual unknown when first picked to ride a GSE Ducati in World Superbikes, but every step of the way James Toseland has moved himself forward. Now, at 22 years-of-age, he has proved that he can match the best, and win races against them. And so far he hasn’t even sat on the best bike.

The year 2000 was James’ first in the British Superbike series, riding a VTR1000 SP-1 for Demon Vimto Honda. He contested the first seven rounds, missing four more through injury, and over the course of these picked up 101 points. Altogether, this placed him twelfth in the final table, not far behind riders who had done the entire championship. James’ results included seven in the top eight, with sixth place in two separate Oulton Park meetings, both times behind Steve Hislop.

His potential was obviously enough to attract the interest of Darrell Healey, from rival outfit GSE Racing. As this team were taking lead rider Neil Hodgson into the 2001 World Championship, with the Ducati 996 RS/00, Wright was looking for a back-up man. He opted for Toseland, and the youngster didn’t disappoint. Although Hodgson converted his British title winning form into several podiums, the inexperienced James did well to get into the top ten on a handful of occasions. These included a seventh in the United States and a sixth at Brands Hatch, and he finished the series thirteenth, with 91 points.

In 2002, the GSE team’s 998 F01 machines were entered under the HM Plant Ducati banner, in deference to their new prinicipal sponsor. Hodgson continued as the number one, piloting his way to third overall, behind the dominant duo of Colin Edwards and Troy Bayliss. Under Wright’s guidance, James improved his racecraft and became a regular top six finisher on the Dunlop-shod bikes, taking a fifth in Italy, and ending the season on the podium in the Netherlands. His upward progress was confirmed by notching up seventh in the final standings, with 195 points, ahead of the experienced Frankie Chili.

In the absence of factory-supported entries from the usual Japanese manufacturers, 2003 has seen the HM Plant Ducati team become effectively the second strongest in WSB. Paired with the more experienced Chris Walker, Toseland is already looking the stronger of the two, perhaps helped by being part of the same team for a third straight year. With their 998RS F02 bikes still running on Dunlops, as opposed to the better regarded Michelins of the works team, the two riders have been top six regulars to date. Toseland’s eight finishes of fifth or better, culminating in his first win at Oschersleben, have actually taken him ahead of Rubén Xaus on the factory 999. He currently lies second, on 132 points, with Walker a few spots behind thanks to injury problems.

It would not be a surprise to see James Toseland win more races as the season progresses, and if he does it could earn him runner-up slot to the impressive Hodgson. Either way, it certainly makes sense that the man from Sheffield will find his way onto a good works ride in 2004, with perhaps a shot at the title itself.

James Toseland’s early career path:

1989
Started a five year spell in trials riding, winning youth championships in South East, North West and East Midlands regions; also competed in motocross, retiring mid way through 1993

1992
6th in Inter 100cc Youth series; best newcomer award

1994
Road racing début on a 125cc Yamaha

1995
Junior Road Race Champion

1996
11th in Superteen championship

1997
British Honda CB500 Cup Champion; 3rd in British Supersport 600 championship, with a Honda; also won a national Supersport race at Snetterton

1998
18th in World Supersport championship, with Castrol Honda

1999
11th in World Supersport championship, with Castrol Honda