Toseland, Crutchlow still chasing first R1 win

After a four-week break, the 2010 World Superbike Championship reconvenes at Misano this weekend, with James Toseland and Cal Crutchlow still seeking their first R1 victory.

Rivals Suzuki, Aprilia, Ducati and Honda have all tasted victory success during the seven rounds, and 14 races, so far held - but the closest Yamaha, which won the 2009 title with Ben Spies, has come is two second places for Toseland.

Nevertheless, after a successful test at the Misano circuit last week, hopes are high of a victory challenge by both riders on Sunday.

"I had a pole here in 2006 in Superbike," said Toseland, presently sixth in the championship standings, "and although there were circuit changes in 2007 I've tested twice here this year so I know the circuit well.

"That combined with all the hard work my crew chief Frankie and the Yamaha Team have been doing to get the best possible set up for the track gives me confidence that we're on for a good result.

"We've proved we can be very fast here even on used race tyres so I can't wait to get on the bike and kick off the weekend."

Crutchlow has claimed three third-places so far in his rookie WSBK season to sit ninth in the title chase.

"I really enjoyed racing here last year even though it was a red flag race," said the reigning WSS champion. "I know what it's like to fight and win here on a Supersport bike so I'm looking forward to finding out what the battle is like on a Superbike!

"We've been working hard to get a really good set up for the track, so we have every reason to believe we'll both be up there fighting at the front," he declared.