Tech-3 split with Dunlop

Tech-3 have run on Dunlops since 2006, but have failed to muster a single podium finish in that time, with riders Carlos Checa, James Ellison, Makoto Tamada and Sylvain Guintoli

"We started this project with Dunlop two and a half years ago, with the objective of providing them with the platform they needed to push forward their development of tyres for MotoGP.

"It is clear to everyone that their progress has been very significant, particularly during this season," said Tech 3 team owner Herve Poncharal.

"In a championship where competition between the three tyre manufacturers has never been so intense as it is now, Dunlop have increasingly given us the possibility to challenge for top ten positions.

"Sylvain Guintoli missed out on a podium in Motegi by less than half a second, and here in Valencia both Guintoli and Tamada will start from second row of the grid.

"Unfortunately, however, for various reasons, we have decided that we will not continue with Dunlop for 2008.

"We would like to thank the Dunlop technical teams both in Europe and Japan for the tremendous efforts they have put behind this project, and we in Tech 3 are proud to have been involved in it."

Tech-3 are expected to switch to Michelin tyres next season as Yamaha are contracted to run at least two bikes on the French rubber for 2008.

This is believed to have been a factor in Tech-3's switch following Michelin's admission that Yamaha's chief rider Valentino Rossi will not use their rubber next season.

Toseland, a two-time World Superbike champion, will be partnered by Colin Edwards, who is moving over from the factory squad, next year.

Dunlop will now have no involvement in Moto GP next season and will instead focus on 250s and 125s. They have supplied the whole 250cc grid this year and all but one Japanese wildcard entry in 125s.