Exclusive James Toseland Q&A

James Toseland’s 2007 season so far has been one of his most successful ever. Here he talks to fans about everything from his favourite music to his exciting move to MotoGP for 2008. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the likely 2007 Superbike World Champion…

Will you be keeping the same number 52 into MotoGP or will it change? – Lauren

I am keeping the same number in the MotoGP. I have raced with the number 52 for ten years now and it was part of the contract I have signed with Yamaha.

Which is your favourite song of all time? – Karen

It has to be Sweet Child of Mine by Guns & Roses.

Why did you name the chapters in your book after Queen Songs? – Lucy

Queen is one of my favourite bands and the titles of the songs fitted with the chapters of the book. For example ‘We are the Champions’ was the title of the chapter in which I won the World Superbike championship.

Are you looking forward going to tracks like Indianapolis, Shanghai and others that World Superbikes haven't been to? – Lucy

I didn’t realise Indianapolis was on the 2008 MotoGP calendar, but I’m definitely looking forward to all the tracks. I am particularly looking forward to America. There are five more rounds in MotoGP than in World Superbike, so it is going to be busy next season but I’m looking forward to it.

Watching the races in Germany I noticed that when you ride off, you always stand up and stretch your right leg. Are there more things you always do before a race? – Annet

I was not aware that I did that, maybe it is because I injured my right leg. I am not really superstitious, but I put my right glove on first. I think everyone always puts one glove on first, more out of habit because it is comfortable that way. I think when it comes to gloves and shoes it is down to habit of that person, but for me I don’t see it as superstitious.

What keeps you motivated in your low times, not that you are having any at the moment!? – Jax

I am lucky in the sense that I have performed really well this season and I am motivated for the final rounds of the championship now.

Will you be doing extra physical preparation for the longer season in MotoGP next year? - Robyn

Not a huge amount but with the bikes being 40 kilos lighter, my routine may be changed to suit that. Apart from that, my training will be as normal.

Who designed your 2007 helmet? – David

My helmet was designed by a guy called Bargy at Suomy.

What would be your dream car? – Andrea

DBS Aston Martin after I saw it in the James Bond film. I really like that car and I have always liked the DB9 anyway. I also like the old Minis; I would love an old Mini.

Have you any ambition to race the "TT races"? – Dave

I live on the Isle of Man, and the TT racers go flying past my house, I have a lot of respect for them with it being so dangerous, but I have no ambition to join in myself.

Who do think is a real challenge for you? Haga or Bayliss?? – Neelu

Both are, although it depends on which track we are racing on or which side of the bed they get out of. Haga can take you by surprise. He is a really aggressive rider and you are never sure what he is capable of. Bayliss is more steady and always trying on every lap. Depending on the weekend and the circuit it could be one or both of them.

Who would be your ideal team-mate? - Tracey

Well you always want to beat your team mate, so someone slower than me!

How do you stay so cool and approachable when you're swamped by fans? – Pauline

I appreciate that people pay a lot of money to go to the races and World Superbike riders are pretty accessible because the public are allowed in the paddock. When fans come to me for an autograph I always give them the time.

How do you cope with the extra media attention when big stories break about you? Laura

I hardly read any to be honest. When you are doing badly the media like people to know but when you are doing well they think you’re a legend! I know who I am and what I am capable of so don’t pay much attention to what they say.

Who is your favourite James Bond? – Caroline

Roger Moore I like the classics although Daniel Craig was very good in the latest James Bond and if the next film is as good he may override Roger Moore as my favourite.

Do you think traction control is a good or bad thing in SBK and MotoGP? – Mark

It’s a difficult one. For safety it’s a good thing but for show and for the people to see the bike sliding and the wheel spinning and the smoke coming off the tyre I think it would be better without the electric aid. Plus you would see the rider’s real ability without it.

Now that you are very well known has this made it harder for you to meet/trust new people? – Martin

It is nice to meet new people but I have a really close family and friends in my life so I have everything I need as far as a social life goes.

Had you ever race in Le Mans, in France? – Marion

No, I have not but I’m looking forward to racing there in 2008 with MotoGP. Le Mans is a good track.

Being from Sheffield which team do you support Wednesday or United? – Carla

I am not really a football fan, but I like to see them both to do well. Wednesday had a bad start to the season but hopefully then can improve. United are doing ok. My best friend is a big United fan so I have probably been to a few more of their matches.

Who is you're favourite racer of all time? – Garth

I appreciate different things from different riders; I appreciate Carl Fogarty’s determination, Mick Doohan in MotoGP and obviously Valentino Rossi. My heroes are people I look up to, the ones that are performing well in their class.