Toseland claims victory

James Toseland made it four wins in as many rounds of the World Superbike Championship as the British rider took his first race win in Valencia.

The 26-year-old had never won at the Ricardo Tormo circuit before and last season saw his title hopes suffer a devastating blow at the Spanish venue.

But Toseland bounced back from a mechanical breakdown which put him out of race two last time out at Donington Park to strengthen his grip on first place in the title race.

Toseland had been fifth in race one as he struggled on a drying track but came back second time out to move to 151 points in the overall standings, with Alstare Suzuki Corona's Max Biaggi second on 138 and Nori Haga third on 124 on the Yamaha Motor Italia machine.

Former champion Troy Corser lies fourth on 101 but title holder Troy Bayliss is back in fifth on 90 points after a first race third.

Bayliss was making his return to racing after having most of his little finger from his right hand amputated following a crash at Donington.

Toseland had switched to his second bike for race two after a tyre problem first time out.

The HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider said: "The second race was awesome. It was a bit close, it was a great race and I'm just so happy to finish in first place.

"I had a nightmare here last year and I was determined to win. I'd never won round here, I'd never been close to winning round here."