Toseland 'favourite' for Rossi MotoGP ride

VISORDOWN'S World Superbike insider has it on firm authority that James Toseland is the hot favourite to stand-in for injured Valentino Rossi in the Fiat Yamaha MotoGP squad.

It's believed Toseland, who has two years' MotoGP experience under his belt having ridden for Tech 3 Yamaha in 2008 and 2009, is the firm favourite to replace Rossi, following the Italian's leg-breaking crash at Mugello last weekend.

Our inside source says the former double World Superbike Champion is top of Yamaha MotoGP's list as he has a substantial amount of experience on Yamaha's M1 MotoGP racer, as well as significant miles under his belt on Bridgestone MotoGP tyres. Our source has also learned that bigwigs in Dorna and Yamaha believe Toseland would be a big crowd puller for MotoGP fans at the upcoming British Grand Prix, scheduled for 20th June, now Rossi is out of the picture.

Reports in the media have also linked Cal Crutchlow, Toseland's current World Superbike team-mate, to the vacant ride but Visordown's insider has said Yamaha are not willing to take a gamble on a rider with no MotoGP experience, despite Crutchlow's obvious talent.

It's believed Toseland's former MotoGP team-mate Colin Edwards is also on Yamaha's list, but our source has said Yamaha would prefer to put Toseland in Rossi's place.

Watch this space ...