 Toseland won at Silverstone in 2005 and had two third places last year |
James Toseland is ready to kick on and win a second World Superbikes crown, starting this weekend at Silverstone. The Briton leads the 13-round WSB series by 35 points as it enters its second half, having already had five wins and four second-place finishes.
"It's now all about total concentration to maintain our momentum," Ten Kate Honda rider Toseland told BBC Sport.
"We've also got to keep the development of the bike up to speed because Yamaha are really coming on strong now."
Toseland, who won his first WSB crown in 2004, believes a second title will secure him a competitive ride in MotoGP next season.
The 26-year-old said: "I'm only interested in moving to a team that I can do well with, and to make that happen I've got to win World Superbikes.
"But that's not this is about - I really want a second WSB title to prove my first wasn't a one-off. And if the right MotoGP offer doesn't come along, I'd be happy to stay in Superbikes.
"It's been great for my career, and I've had a lot of support over the years in Britain. It's been nice to repay the fans this year with some good results."
Toseland had won in every two-race round this season until suffering tyre problems last time out at Monza, but still managed a 2nd and 4th.
 | We were very strong in the second half of last season, and it's been nice to keep that going |
Showers are forecast for Silverstone on Sunday, but a new electronic management system on his CB1000RR has improved performance in the wet.
"In a wet superpole session last season, I was 14th on the grid. This year in the rain at Assen, I was quickest, so it's given me a lot more confidence," he said.
Toseland is hoping to take his pace-setting World Superbikes form into the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan on 29 July.
"Just being invited to take part is an honour, and winning could be just as important as winning the World Superbikes title again.
"It's a very important race for Honda, and once it is out of the way they will start talking about their plans for next season in MotoGP."
Toseland currently leads the WSB standings by 35 points from Yamaha's Noriyuki Haga, and feels he can extend his advantage at Silverstone.
"Of the three British circuits we're racing at this season, it's probably the one where I've had most success," he said.
"I had two third places last year from 14th on the grid, which almost felt like winning. We're much more competitive now, so we should be battling for wins on Sunday."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Interview: World Superbike champion James Toseland
