Despite rumours that James Toseland would stay in the Moto GP paddock in 2010, Yamaha have now confirmed that he will ride for them in World Superbikes in 2010.

The Yamaha World Superbikes team will be an all British affair next year as they have also signed current Yamaha World Supersport rider Cal Crutchlow, who currently leads the championship in his rookie year.

James Toseland said: “I’m looking forward to return to World Superbikes,I want to show I’m still the rider that can win world titles.

Of course there is some disappointment at losing my opportunity in MotoGP as I believe the challenge was still achievable, but the R1 has proven to be beyond the strongest bikes in Superbike and I know many of the Yamaha World Superbike Team guys, so I’m going to pick up where I left off and give 100% to achieving good results with the team.

Within Superbike there were a few options available to me, however the way Yamaha have treated me since I joined them has been outstanding. They gave me a great opportunity in MotoGP, but now I do wish Ben all the best in his campaign and my aim is to continue Yamaha’s success in World Superbike.”

Cal Crutchlow said: “I’m happy to stay to be staying with Yamaha. This will be my second year of my two year contract as agreed when I started in Supersport this year.

Moving up to World Superbike will be a great challenge, I’m looking forward to it and am under no illusion as to how hard it is but I intend to do a good job. I’m also looking forward to riding with another Brit.”

Motorbikin comment: Well there have certainly been some rumours about this pair in the last month or so, but I’m not sure I would have predicted that they would end up in the same team. Nevertheless Yamaha will have a strong team lineup for 2010 and with Cal hopefully carrying on with the single minded determination he has shown this year in World Supersport and James with something to prove the rest of the paddock had better watch out!