Toseland dating Katie Melua

Toseland is joined on the sidelines by singer girlfriend Katie Melua

RETURNING to racing after being injured, James Toseland's comeback at Silverstone may have been inspired by his new racing-muse girlfriend Katie Melua.

Two-time WSB champion, Toseland has been dating the Nine Million Bicycles singer for six months and Silverstone was Melua's first time watching him in action. Speaking to The Independent after seeing Toseland ride for the first time on Friday, she commented: "This morning was the first time that I've seen James on a bike, I'm into doing mad things like sky-diving and bungee-jumping, but this is a bit scary."

Toseland finished a respectable fourth in his practice outing on the Silverstone circuit. However, he qualifyied in 14th and went on to finish both races in the points taking 12th in the first and 13th in the second.

Injuries have hampered his past two seasons, being unable to recapture his previous success in the World Superbike championship, however the Brit is committed to motorcycle racing, he said: "I don't need to ride motorcycles for a living any more, but I love doing it. I'm only 30; the world champion Max Biaggi is 38 and Carlos Checa is 40, so I really feel like I have more championships in me."