Toseland to return to Superbikes

The Briton will take the factory Yamaha WSB seat vacated by Spies' move to MotoGP. Toseland won two World Superbike titles before joining MotoGP last year.

"I'm looking forward to returning to World Superbikes," said Toseland. "I want to show I'm still the rider that can win world titles."

Toseland had made a promising start to his MotoGP stint in 2008 - qualifying on the front row in Qatar for his debut - but has had a tougher 2009 season so far and is currently only 13th in the championship.

"Of course there is some disappointment at losing my opportunity in MotoGP as I believe the challenge was still achievable," he said, "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 per cent 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."