From a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Bringing the heat to Misano

James Toseland and Chris Walker will arrive in Italy just five days after competing in the sixth round of the Superbike World Championship at Silverstone. The HM Plant Ducati riders wowed 83,000 trackside spectators and countless millions more TV viewers with their excellent performances at the UK circuit. The British stars are eager to continue their impressive run of form at the sun drenched Autodromo di Misano on Italy’s Adriatic coast.

Toseland is enjoying a remarkable run of form aboard the HM Plant Ducati. The talented Yorkshireman has shown skill and determination beyond his 22 years and currently occupies second place in the championship behind his countryman and former team-mate Neil Hodgson. A battling second-placed finish in the first race at Silverstone highlighted his emergence as a significant force in Superbike racing, just as his maiden race win in the previous round had shown him to be more than capable of beating the best in the world.

“Silverstone was fantastic,” said Toseland. “The first race was incredible but I was a little disappointed not to make it onto the podium after race two. I’m looking forward to Misano and the fact that we tested there a little while ago should make things a bit easier. I did quite a bit of tyre testing and Dunlop have been working really hard to help us out. Misano’s a top circuit, I’ve been round it a few times and I’ve got a decent set-up, so all the ingredients are there for a good weekend.”

The first six rounds of the championship have certainly not been easy for Chris Walker. Not only has he had to adapt to the HM Plant Ducatis after many years of riding four-cylinder machinery, but he has also been engaged in a private battle with fate. A spate of unfortunate injuries have so far prevented the popular Nottingham rider from fulfilling his undoubted potential, but Walker has still turned in some strong performances.

“Silverstone was very hard work for me,” admitted Walker. “I was really struggling to stay with the leaders despite all the support that we got from the British fans. I’m feeling much stronger now – although I’m still not 100% fit – and I’m hoping for a better time of it this weekend. I like it at Misano and I can’t wait to have a proper race where I don’t get out of breath after five laps.”