HINTS from Colin Edwards have the current Tech 3 rider in with a move to one of the new Claiming Rule Teams in 2012 instead of World Superbikes.
The Texan was in talks with a move back to the World Superbike championship, perhaps joining the factory BMW team.
But the production-based series is looking less tempting for the former champion, as he recently referred to WSB as a 'ghost-town' in an interview with GPWeek - regarding Yamaha's decision to pull out of the series and the fate of Aprilia questionable.
Reports coming away from Indy have Edwards linked to a Claiming Rule Team; in particular Forward Racing - the Moto2 team given one of the grid slots for 2012 - and their proposed choice of the BMW-engined Suter chassis.
However, developments now see a continuation of the American's relationship with Yamaha and the YZF-R1 engine used in a prototype CRT chassis, calling the powerplant his 'weapon of choice' and further speculation suggests that the frame could be built by Tech 3 and Guy Coulon - the creator of the Mistral that Bradley Smith rides in Moto2.
Discussing these new machines with Asphalt & Rubber, Edwards acknowledged that the alternative 1000s will be at a disadvantage at certain circuits, mainly places ilke Mugello and Catalunya where speed rules, but noted tracks like Laguna, Sachsenring and Assen as possibilites where the gap to the factory bikes will be closer, he said: "We’re already clipping so much power it’s just ridiculous, and we’re only on 800s. So, there’ll be tracks where, is it going to compete for a win? Maybe not. But I think there’ll be tracks where it’s going to surprise some people."
source: visordown
