Following a successful test last week at the San Marino circuit where the Yamaha Sterilgarda riders recorded fast times and were the most competitive team pairing, both Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland are geared up and ready to take the fight to the competition this weekend.
"I really enjoyed racing here last year even though it was a red flag race," said Cal Crutchlow. "I know what it's like to fight and win here on a Supersport bike so I'm looking forward to finding out what the battle is like on a Superbike! We've been working hard to get a really good set up for the track, so we have every reason to believe we'll both be up there fighting at the front."
"I had a pole here in 2006 in Superbike,"said James Toseland, "and although there were circuit changes in 2007 I've tested twice here this year so I know the circuit well. That combined with all the hard work my crew chief Frankie and the Yamaha Team have been doing to get the best possible set up for the track gives me confidence that we're on for a good result. We've proved we can be very fast here even on used race tyres so I can't wait to get on the bike and kick off the weekend.
The eighth round of the World Superbike Championship at the Misano circuit in San Marino will start with an impressive street display; James Toseland along with other WSB riders will pilot his full race-spec YZF-R1 through the historic streets of San Marino for the assembled international media and race fans on Thursday morning.
The Misano round is the first race back in Europe following races in South Africa and the USA. The circuit, on Italy's touristic Adriatic coast was overhauled in 2007, including a change of direction to run clock-wise, and a succession of right-handers at the end of the main straight. Having tested here twice this year both riders are familiar with the layout and have set ups prepared to be immediately competitive.
Main Photo: James Toseland
