Toseland: I deserve this.

James Toseland was crowned the 2004 World Superbike champion after a tense title showdown at Magny-Cours on Sunday, which ended with the #52 becoming the third British rider to take the SBK crown after Carl Fogarty and Neil Hodgson.

Toseland, who celebrates his 24th birthday on Tuesday, couldn't have received a better present as he overcome Ducati Fila team-mate Regis Laconi's 4-point lead to take the title with a faultless performance of measured aggression that netted a win in race one and a second place - behind Noriyuki Haga - in race two.

"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me become world champion here today, the list is too long to mention everyone but it includes all my family and friends, GSE, Fila and Ducati Corse, all of my team and all the team's sponsors," declared an emotional Toseland, pictured on the podium with his nephew.

"I think I deserved to become world champion at the end; these last three rounds have gone really well and that's down to the team who have given me the best opportunity to win with the best bike," added James, who has now become the youngest ever WSBK champion.

"There was no option of making a mistake today or doing anything wrong, it was that close, it was a great season with Regis, there were some great races and it could easily have been him up here," he concluded.

The #52 was perhaps being a little kind to Regis with his closing comment, since the Frenchman - although third in both races - was never able to truly threaten Toseland and Haga in either race. Nevertheless, Laconi's sportsmanship wasn't in question:

"Maybe we didn't find the right setting for today's races but a big thanks to the team, they worked very hard, I still gave my best and that is what is important," shrugged Regis. "I m happy because I gave my best but it wasn't enough, c'est la vie! I think I can still fight for world titles for some more years.

"There has been a little bit more pressure within the Ducati garage over the past few races with the two of us fighting for the title but that is normal," added the #55. "It is the first time also for Ducati to have both riders in with a chance of winning the title and it is not an easy solution for the team too, but all of Ducati did a fantastic job, they are world champions, I am not this year but thank you to them anyway."

Ducati Corse are yet to confirm their 2005 factory line-up, while Laconi and Supersport rider Lanzi will now head to the USA to compete in the season ending round of the AMA Superbike championship.

Ten Kate Honda's Chris Vermeulen, the only other rider with a realistic chance of title victory, suffered two mechanical DNFs, dropping him to fourth in the series.