James Toseland’s return to the WorldSBK paddock in 2020 has been officially confirmed as he prepares to head up the Czech-based WRP Wepol Racing Yamaha team with former Moto3 rider Danny Webb on riding duties.
As reported by Visordown last week, Webb will ride a Yamaha R6 entered by WRP Wepol Racing team with Toseland – a double WorldSBK Champion – being hired to take on managerial duties in what will no doubt be one of the most keenly watched entries of the 2020 WorldSSP season.
We are pleased to announce that WRP Wepol Racing is entering in Supersport World championship in 2020 with @DannyWebb99 under guidance of new team manager @JamesMToseland. We are looking forward to the new great challenge. Follow us and share racing emotion with us. pic.twitter.com/qy0S8LfZXN
— WRP Wepol Racing (@WRPwepolracing) November 27, 2019
Toseland won the 2004 and 2007 WorldSBK titles with Ducati and Honda respectively and claimed 16 victories and 57 podiums over the course of nine seasons. He also spent two seasons competing in MotoGP with Tech 3 Yamaha.
Toseland’s role comes after retiring from racing in 2011 in the wake of a series of injuries sustained on his return WorldSBK from MotoGP with Yamaha and then BMW.
Following that he took on a BT Sport MotoGP punditry role before turning his attention to his eponymous rock band and has largely stayed out of the motorsport highlight since then.
Nevertheless, he has a strong set up in WRP Racing, which finished top five in the Endurance World Championship with the combined riding might of Webb, Sheridan Morais and Michael Laverty.
Though this will be Webb’s first appearance in the WorldSSP Championship, he is one of British motorcycle racing’s more versatile performers having tasted success in 125/Moto3 and on Superbike machinery in EWC while he has also established himself as an adept road racer after winning the International Road Racing Championship in 2018. He has also competed at Macau on several occasions.
The full entry list for the 2020 WorldSSP Championship is expected to be announced soon with the opening round set for February at Phillip Island.
