James Toseland may only have completed a handful of races in MotoGP but he has impressed his Yamaha bosses so much, they have extended his contract until the end of 2009.
He said: ""I am extremely grateful to Tech 3 and Yamaha for giving me this fantastic opportunity," said Toseland. "For them to show confidence and trust in my ability after just two races is very flattering. Signing for 2009 gives me the time to really develop with the team, Yamaha and Michelin.

"When I first tested for Tech 3 last November in Sepang, I knew instantly I'd made the right decision. I knew I could accomplish what I wanted to achieve in MotoGP and that was to prove that I could be competitive. Thanks to Tech 3, Yamaha and Michelin, I have done that after two races.

"The team and Yamaha welcomed me right from the start and gave me 100 per cent backing. The belief shown in me from Tech 3, and in particular Herve Poncharal, has been incredible. Before this season I had never worked with Yamaha, so for me to gain confidence from the factory in such a short space of time is great."