Colin Edwards: ‘Aprilia gives us hope’

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Colin Edwards says the performance of Aprilia’s new CRT MotoGP machine gives other new 1000cc projects hope for the future as he attempts to make the new Suter-BMW package more competitive in 2012.

Randy de Puniet has been comfortably the quickest CRT rider throughout winter testing on the new Aprilia ART machine and he was 13th quickest at last weekend’s final pre-season outing in Jerez.

That put the Frenchman over a second faster than the next best CRT machine - Aspar team-mate Aleix Espargaro - and he was only 0.6s off the top 10 in Spain and less than a 0.1s behind the prototype Ducati ridden by Karel Abraham.

Experienced Texan Edwards was 3.2s away from Casey Stoner’s best speed in Jerez and 1.4s behind de Puniet on the Forward Racing Suter-BMW.

Edwards has spent the majority of winter testing trying to improve the Bosch electronics on the new machine, while also concentrating on reducing chatter with the new soft construction Bridgestone tyres.

But he said de Puniet’s performances showed that once the new CRT projects were developed to the same level as the Aprilia, it was possible to run close to the factory prototypes.

Aprilia’s ART machine is heavily based on its factory RSV4 World Superbike machine and Edwards told MCN: “At the moment we are not on the same level as de Puniet. Aprilia have obviously got a lot of information and there might be a gap but that’s always something to strive for.

"Matching that bike right now is going to be difficult. Our bike is more of an animal than Randy’s. We have to play a lot with electronics and gearing which we learned in Jerez. We were way too short on the gearing last weekend but we need to play with the chassis and understand why we have chatter in places and why our bike feels so stiff.

"The Apriia looks like a friendly bike. Randy can get on the throttle so early and motor out of the corner and we are not quite there yet. Fair play to de Puniet because he was lapping at 41 consistently and with the way my bike was geared you could do it for one lap but not 20.

"You’d have to hold your breath and pull your brain out, so we need to get it a bit more chilled. But it is awesome to see him up there and close behind machines that have had millions and millions of budget spent on them.

"That’s the formula Carmelo (Ezpeleta – MotoGP boss) intended and his vision would be that we’d be on the fringes of the prototypes. We’ve got to get our bike working to that level as soon as we can.”

Aprilia’s ART project has been the subject on intense debate in the winter, with many believing it is should be classed as a full-blown prototype rather than a CRT.

CRT rules mean the Aprilia machine can use 12 engines and benefit from 24 litres of fuel, while the prototypes entered by Honda, Ducati and Yamaha are restricted to six engines and 21 litres.

Honda, Yamaha and Ducati have questioned whether the Aprilia is in the true spirit of CRT, but Edwards refused to be drawn into the discussion and he added: “Whatever the rules are or whatever Aprilia has done, they have done a fantastic job and I’m not going to take that away from them. I’m not stressed about that.”

See the April 4 issue of Motor Cycle News for a special 16-page preview on the 2012 MotoGP world championship, featuring exclusive interviews with Cal Crutchlow and reigning world champion Casey Stoner.

source: MCN

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Colin Edwards: “We’ve got 18 tests ahead”

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American Colin Edwards reckons each race during the 2012 MotoGP campaign will be like an extension of winter testing as he tries to make the Suter-BMW CRT project a competitive package in the new 1000cc category.

The experienced Texan is preparing for his 10th season in the premier class fully aware that he faces a massive task just to get close to scoring points after a baptism of fire on the Forward Racing machine that features a tuned BMW S1000R motor and a prototype chassis designed and manufactured by Swiss specialists SRT.

At the second Sepang test in Malaysia earlier this month, the former Tech 3 Yamaha rider finished 3.2s behind Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner’s best pace on Honda’s factory RC213V.

And the double World Superbike champion told MCN: “I think we are going to have 18 tests and that’s being honest. It wasn’t anything that different at Yamaha because you were testing parts and settings.

"It doesn’t matter what happens come Sunday because you go out and ride the crap out of what you have got. But it is obvious we are going to be working our asses off for 18 weekends that’s for sure.”

Edwards says the gap between his Suter-BMW machine and the factory prototypes has not dented his faith that he can make the project a success this season.

He added: “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and I took it on as a challenge and I look forward to it. As long as things continue to develop and things get better then my motivation will remain. We are all still motivated and we are seeing some improvements but Rome wasn’t built in a day and that’s a fact. We’ve got some work to do.”

Edwards will be back on track for the final test session in Jerez this weekend and he is taking part in Forward Racing’s team launch later today (Tuesday).

source: MCN

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pictures: NGM Forward Racing 2012 Livery with Coling Edwards

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source: crash.net

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Colin Edwards 2012 CRT MotoGP livery revealed

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The NGM Forward Racing team unveiled its racing colours for its 2012 MotoGP debut season at Jerez on Tuesday (more pics below). 

The team is one of several new entries taking advantage of the 'CRT' rules to step up from Moto2 to MotoGP. 

Forward Racing has signed popular Texan Colin Edwards to ride its Suter-BMW. 

Edwards, with two WSBK titles and twelve MotoGP podiums to his credit, is the most highly decorated of the nine CRT riders, but is expected to face tough competition for top CRT honours from Aspar Aprilia's Randy de Puniet. 

"I would like to apologize for being late," said Edwards. "Apparently there is an even bigger tornado than me in Texas that delayed my flight! 

"Jokes aside, I am very happy to be here today and to be part of this new adventure with the team. We have started off working a lot on the development of the bike and especially on the electronics. 

"At the first test we were at about 60% of the development of the bike and now we are at about 92%-93%. Our objective is to keep working and get good results.” 

Team owner Giovanni Cuzari believes the new CRT class will become as successful as Moto2. 

"In 2010 I immediately believed in the new Moto2 category," he said. "I realized the great possibilities that the new rules offered in terms of providing exciting races. In my opinion it was a great idea on Dorna's part and hence Carmelo's. 

"Today I think we can say that the Moto2 races are spectacular: the grid is full - maybe a little too much! - and the show is always guaranteed. So, today we're here to officially present our entry into MotoGP 'taking one more step forward'. 

"I think CRT will, with time, have the same success that Moto2 experienced. Of course, like all rookies at the beginning we will suffer a bit, but time will prove us right and hopefully bring many satisfactions with the CRT." 

Forward Racing will also continue in Moto2 this season, running Suter machinery for Alex de Angelis and Yuki Takahashi, also present at the launch. 

"For the past year and a half I have been riding a different bike and now I have to adapt my riding style to my Suter bike, but I believe that we can work really well together," said de Angelis. "I look 'Forward' to this season.” 

Fellow former MotoGP rider and Moto2 race winner Takahashi added: 

"I am happy to be here, the bike is good, the team is good and we can make many things together this season," he said. "We have had a busy pre-season where we have tried many different things to find a good setting. I hope to have a good start to the season and keep up the good work of the team.” 

The final Moto2/Moto3 pre-season test concludes at Jerez on Wednesday evening, with the MotoGP class taking over from Friday to Sunday. 

source: Crash.net

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Edwards confirms himself as best CRT rider at Sepang

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Three weeks after the first Official Test at the Sepang International Circuit, Colin Edwards and NGM Mobile Forward Racing returned to confirm themselves as the best CRT team in Malaysia.

The weather conditions during the three days of testing were not as favorable as the first test at the beginning of February. However it was still an important test for the American rider in order to find continuity on the Suter-BMW as he completed a total of 78 laps with a final lap time of 2’03.681.

The work once more revolved around the electronics of the bike as well as on the development of the new Suter chassis. The chassis development has been a clear step forward, allowing Edwards to improve his best time at the first test by over a second.

Colin Edwards (2’03.681):

"To be honest, it was frustrating for two days and finally on the last day, we were working with the throttle connection and we found something. In that respect, it was a good test. In terms of the electronics I don’t think we will reach the final stage of development of the electronics until the last race in Valencia: we are going to be working on them the whole time. But as they say: "Rome wasn’t built in one day". It’s not a very quick process but at each test we keep improving, so that’s the key. We arrived with a new chassis and also a new spec engine. So from the first test to the second test to the third test, we’ve had basically had a new bike each time. This time we got what we would consider the 2012 spec. Yes, we do have a little bit of chatter but it’s much better than what it was and I believe we know how to fix it. For the next test in Jerez, I don’t have a main focus other than to make the entire package better. We need to come up with solutions quickly and efficiently and for that we need accurate information from our data…. we can’t afford right now to get off base".

Sergio Verbena – Technical Manger:

"We focused on the electronics and chassis. We tested the chassis with varying degrees of stiffness in order to solve the chatter problem and made some improvement in this area, but we have some more work ahead of us. In terms of the electronics we made significant progress in some areas (engine braking and traction control), but we still have a lot of work to do with exiting the corners, although we made a modification that allowed Colin to be 1.5 seconds faster. We are now at 3.2 seconds from Stoner, it’s not bad at all only after days of testing a circuit as long as Sepang!"

source: MotoGP Official

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Bosch talks CRT MotoGP electronics

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NGM Forward Racing's Colin Edwards described electronics as the most important area of development after his debut on the new Suter-BMW CRT MotoGP bike at Jerez last November. 

New to MotoGP, a class where there are few limits on electronic controls, Bosch faces a huge task in trying to catch-up with the likes of the established Magneti Marelli systems, which Edwards used as a Yamaha rider for the past seven years. 

But during the team's second test, alongside the twelve manufacturer bikes earlier this month at Sepang, Edwards was able to close the gap to the top from 6.5sec to 5.1sec over the three days. 

After the test Edwards, 3.5sec faster than the next best CRT rider present, said chatter had now replaced electronics as the team's biggest hurdle. 

“At our first roll-out test in December at Jerez, we had some electronic issues that they solved and now I was really comfortable with how they smoothened out the power band,” said Edwards. 

“What we are struggling with are the new Bridgestone tyres... At Jerez, we didn't have a chatter problem. But now, I have the worst chatter I have ever had in my life. Without that, I could go 1.5 seconds faster.” 

A further 1.5sec would have put Edwards within one-second of the slowest of the manufacturer riders, ridden by Cardion AB's Karel Abraham. 

Crash.net spoke to Ralf Schnee, head of the Bosch project, and development rider Michael Spahr about the company's MotoGP electronics. The first question was simple, where did they start? 

“We have a lot of experience in automotive motorsports and the engine electronics work the same for motorcycles in terms of ignition, injection and some cylinder cut-off functions etc,” explained Schnee. 

“I would say maybe 70-80% of the electronic functions are identical to car sport. The big difference for motorcycles is the riding dynamics. That is where we need special functions for motorbikes. 

“But we had a good base to start from with our automotive race experience and so we began with a system that could be modified for use on racing cars and bikes. This ECU is actually also used in DTM this year, where Bosch is the single supplier for the championship. 

“I've developed the system over the last two years and have a lot of experience with it. For the bikes, we have been working on it using a Honda Superbike at the factory, plus Michael our test rider. Then nearly a year ago we got the first call from Suter about MotoGP. 

“As I've said, with motorcycles the big difference is the dynamic functions, especially the lean angle. If you have a lean angle on a car you have a problem!” 

Spahr, a former German Supersport champion, added: “Also for the bikes you need some wheel-spin to steer, so the traction control works completely differently to the cars. This type of software is unique for the motorbike.” 

“This is our second development step with the electronics,” continued Schnee. “The first step was at Jerez in November and now we have new software to improve the dynamics. 

“A lot of what we are doing is calibrating the system to the rider's liking. Colin has given us very good feedback and we have developed the functions more and more. You can see that in the lap times also.” 

The Bosch team will be seeking further lap time improvements during the second of the three official MotoGP pre-season tests, which starts at Sepang on February 28. 

source: crash.net

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Edwards makes big strides in Malaysia

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The American made huge strides at the three day test in Malaysia, steadily improving from a best lap of 2’08.240 in the first session to a 2’04.722 by the third day, making the test a success for the team.

Edwards completed a total of 94 laps during which he and the team focused their efforts on setting up the electronics package and smoothing out the power deliver of the bike. Now the team will work with the data collected to be ready for the second Official Test later this month in Malaysia, where the objective will be to make the bike perform consistently and to narrow the gap from the factory machines.

Colin Edwards:

"After the first day, we obviously realized we had some major issues with some chatter that we have been working hard to fix. The electronics package has been in development since Jerez, it has come a long way and I’m really happy with it. The Bosch guys have worked hard and whenever I asked them for something, they made it happen."

"It was a little difficult coming here after what happened with Marco last year. On my first lap around I slowed up in turn eleven and kind of paid my respects to Marco real quietly. Then I got on with the job of making the bike better."

"I honestly thought 2’02, 2’03s were possible within three days, but I did not expect we were going to encounter chatter. At the end of the test we did 2’04 but there is easily a 2’03 or mid 2’02 if we don’t have chatter and that’s really what I have to work on during the next test. We just have to come back and solve the problem. We have several ideas and at the test got a lot of work done; we probably tested more components in the last few days than in all of my days with Yamaha."

"The 2012 prototype has a completely different chassis and swingarm, and the engine—thanks to BMW—the engine is excellent. Our electronics guys did great as far as smoothing out the power. It’s one thing to have a really fast bike but it’s another thing to ride it for twenty laps around here. We still have to play with the electronics to fix the chatter problems that have intensified with the new Bridgestones."

"It feels good to know that you can develop something and work towards the future instead of just being one of the guys being told: "You can have this" instead of what you ask for. Now we are actually building something and making things happen. We are developing something together and it feels good to develop a bike my way. I’m really happy."

source: MotoGP Official

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Edwards set for 'emotional' Sepang return

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Colin Edwards, the biggest name to sign-up for the new Claiming Rule Team class in MotoGP, will continue development of his Suter-BMW alongside the full factory prototypes at Sepang on January 31. 

The three-day test will mark an 'emotional' return to Malaysia for the Texan, who - along with Valentino Rossi - was involved in last October's fatal race-day accident for Marco Simoncelli. 

Shoulder injuries suffered by Edwards in the incident meant he missed what would have been his Tech 3 Yamaha farewell at Valencia, but he was fit enough to make his debut for the Forward Racing team during a test at Jerez in November. 

"Well first, going back to Sepang is going to be emotional enough,” said Edwards, during an interview with MotoGP.com. “I think it's important to go there and get back on the track after what happened a few months ago.” 

Turning to his machinery, the Texan revealed that his biggest priority at the test will be to improve the electronics that control the S1000RR superbike-based engine. 

"The bike has a lot of potential, but we are so held back right now we can only ride the bike at 65 percent because the electronics are not anything like what I am accustomed to and they aren't consistent enough,” he said. 

“With things like picking up the throttle smoothly and the traction control, it's almost like having to reinvent the wheel. 

“I've never worked with the Bosch system or Magneti Marelli before, but there were a couple of their guys at the test in Jerez taking notes, and from what I know they fulfilled all of my request as far as what we need at this next test." 

The 37-year-old, renowned for his development skills, added that chassis changes will only be made once he's satisfied with the electronics. 

“Until you can ride the bike at 100 percent, you are going to go in circles if you start changing things. You first need to fix the electronics, that is the main thing."

The twelve-time MotoGP podium-finisher insists he won't be bothered by the time difference to the factory-built machines at the opening test of 2012, but did give a lap time target. 

“I'm not worried about what kind of gap there will be; I'm more worried about being able to ride the hell out of a motorcycle... If I had to give a number, I'd be really happy with a time of 2m 03 or 2m 02. Can we do that? I'll just have to wait and see." 

A 2min 2sec lap would have qualified Edwards twelfth on the grid for last October's (800cc) race, and matches the pace of the Pramac Ducatis. The best lap in last year's Sepang pre-season tests was a 1min 59.665sec by Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner, but the 1000cc bikes should be even quicker. 

BQR's FTR-Kawasaki is expected to be the only other CRT bike present at the first Sepang test, alongside the twelve factory prototypes, with the other new teams electing to test in Europe or not yet ready to ride. 

Edwards will be the only CRT MotoGP rider using the Suter chassis or BMW engine in 2012. CRT bikes will be allowed extra engine changes and fuel capacity relative to the factory-built bikes from Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. 

source: crash.net

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Edwards speaks ahead of Sepang

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Colin Edwards is busy preparing for the 2012 MotoGP™ season which will see him aboard the new NGM Mobile Forward Racing team CRT bike. The Texan spoke with motogp.com ahead of the first test of the season at Sepang (January 31 through February 2) regarding his new ride.

How is the shoulder recuperation going? 

"It’s good, it’s not 100 percent, but I woke up the other morning and my right shoulder hurt more than my left and that’s the one I didn’t have surgery on! Obviously I tweaked both of them, the right one needed surgery and the left one is a little bit loose, but it’s good, I am out riding here at Boot Camp and training and getting everything in order."

Based on feedback you gave your team at the first test in Jerez, what changes do you expect to see on the Suter-BMW bike at the Sepang test next week? 

"The main thing is the electronics. The bike has a lot of potential, but we are so held back right now we can only ride the bike at 65 percent because the electronics are not anything like what I am accustomed to and they aren’t consistent enough. With things like picking up the throttle smoothly and the traction control, it’s almost like having to reinvent the wheel. I’ve never worked with the Bosch system or Magneti Marelli before, but there were a couple of their guys at the test in Jerez taking notes, and from what I know they fulfilled all of my request as far as what we need at this next test."

Did you have any other requests for changes to the bike? 

"Anytime we made even a little change to the electronics, it made the bike better as an overall package, even though we never changed any geometry settings. Anytime you make the electronics better you make the bike better. I wasn’t even at a point where I could say, OK the chassis needs this, the swingarm needs that, because we couldn’t get there. Until you can ride the bike at 100 percent, you are going to go in circles if you start changing things. You first need to fix the electronics, that is the main thing."

Sepang is a long and demanding circuit. What would an acceptable gap between a previous good lap time of yours there and the best time on the Forward Racing bike at this test? 

"Well first, going back to Sepang is going to be emotional enough. I think it’s important to go there and get back on the track after what happened a few months ago. And I am looking forward to getting back on the track and getting rolling like we normally do. I’m not worried about what kind of gap there will be; I’m more worried about being able to ride the hell out of a motorcycle. If I’m held back by electronics or something, then that is where we need to work. I’m going out there and ride the bike as fast as I possibly can and see what happens. If I had to give a number, I’d be really happy with a time of 2’03 or 2’02. Can we do that? I’ll just have to wait and see."

You are the only rider aboard a Suter and the only rider with a BMW engine in the paddock, does that help or hinder you? 

"I don’t mind being the only rider, as long as the work gets done. I don’t think it’s difficult to develop a bike, you focus on what needs to be fixed and you fix it. The key thing is the turnaround time - can we fix it in two weeks or is it going to take three months to go through the pipeline to get something fixed? With BMW and Suter I’m anticipating our turnaround time is going to be a little quicker rather than having to go through the process a factory bike requires. I’m looking forward to being able to rapidly improve this bike."

You said at the announcement of your move to NGM mobile Forward Racing that you believe there will be tracks where the CRT is going to surprise some people. Do you still think that holds true? 

"In a perfect world, if I had a motorcycle with 250HP that did everything I wanted it to, yes, I believe CRT bikes would surprise people at some particular tracks. The only question now is: will this 250HP be deliverable? Until we get that sorted and can ride the bike to the limit, then we are going to struggle. When we get to that point, then yes, I do believe the CRT bikes will surprise some people at some of the tracks."

There has been talk that if the gap between the CRT and factory bikes is too large, that penalizations or at least further restrictions could be put to the factories. What do you think about that move if it were to happen? 

"This is a tricky situation. At nearly every country around the world you go to racetracks and you have Mazdas racing Ferraris. How does that happen? You restrict the faster guy or lighten up the slower guy. I believe Moto2 has opened a few eyes. You’ve got a group of guys at the front bumping bars and five guys who could win a race which makes it really exciting…as for MotoGP, do I think it’s unfair to restrict the factories? I don’t know the answer to that. We need better and closer racing in MotoGP. How to make that happen is the question."

source: MotoGP Official

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Tough to let Colin Edwards leave, admits Tech 3 boss

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Monster Yamaha Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal has said the decision not to offer a new deal to popular American Colin Edwards for 2012 was one the toughest he’s ever had to make.

The 37-year-old left Tech 3 after four years to join the Forward Racing squad where he will ride the new Suter/BMW 1000cc machine next season.

With Yamaha looking to invest in younger talent for the future, Edwards briefly flirted with the idea of a return to World Superbikes with BMW before clinching a deal to remain in MotoGP for a 10th successive campaign next year.

Edwards scored four podiums and one pole position during his career with Tech 3, the last of his top three finishes coming with a fantastic third in a rain-lashed British Grand Prix at Silverstone back in June.

Edwards has been replaced by Italian Andrea Dovizioso who will partner Briton Cal Crutchlow and Poncharal told MCN: “It was a very difficult decision not to offer Colin a new deal. In Misano back in 2010 Colin requested that he have one more year and everybody in Yamaha agreed. Once the 2011 season started we thought it was going to be his last one and then through the season, helped by the good results he was having, it gave him the wish to stay more. He told me this and we were thinking and talking and for me it was not out of the question for us for him to stay. But my team is more like a feeder team for Yamaha and the perfect scenario was like what happened with Ben (Spies), where a young rider can show his potential before moving to the factory team.

"Colin knew it wasn’t going to be easy to stay and I think he is a guy who likes a challenge and he loves racing and developing a bike and for him the CRT project with Forward Racing is a new adventure. For him this challenge it is very exciting and he knows it is the future of MotoGP. But for Tech 3 it is a shame. We knew one day this story would come to and end but he has been the best rider we ever had in the MotoGP class. Not only in terms of the results but the atmosphere he bought to the garage was incredible and he has been a really good team player. The whole team loves him and has been fantastic for us. To turn the Colin Edwards page in our history is difficult, but I am happy he is still going to be in the paddock."

source: MCN

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Nine CRT entries 'approved' for MotoGP 2012

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During the final Grand Prix Commission meeting of 2011, held on December 14 in Madrid, the following MotoGP rule changes and announcements were made, effective from January 2012.

The changes confirm the amount of tyres available in the aftermath of the MotoGP testing restrictions being lifted; that a red rear light must be displayed on all bikes in wet conditions (as in F1); that the minimum weight for next year's 1000cc bikes has been raised by 4kg and that nine CRT entries - plus one reserve - have been approved for the 2012 MotoGP season.

CRT entries have already been announced for Colin Edwards (NGM Forward Racing), Randy de Puniet (Aspar), Aleix Espargaro (Aspar), James Ellison (PBM), Anthony West (Speed Master) and Michele Pirro (Gresini).

The other three and the reserve are likely to come from Ioda Racing, BQR, Team Grillini and Team Laglisse.

These add to the twelve factory-built bikes, meaning MotoGP looks set for a grid of 21 riders next season, up from 17 (all factory built) in 2011.

source: crash

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2011 Rider Statistic: Colin Edwards

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Colin Edwards finished on 9th place 2011 MotoGP championship with 109 points. Here's the full statistic from 2011 MotoGP races.

Number of start	: 15
Poles	: 0
Podium	: 1

Race Placement

Losail	: 8
Jerez	: DNF
Estoril	: 6
Le Mans	: 13
Catalunya	: DNS
Silverstone	: 3
Assen	: 7
Mugello	: 9
Sachsenring	: 10
Laguna Seca	: 8
Brno	: 8
Indianapolis	: 7
Misano	: 13
Aragon	: 13
Motegi	: 8
Phillip Island	: 5
Valencia	: DNS

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Edwards samples Forward Suter-BMW

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Colin Edwards has made his long-awaited test debut aboard the NGM Forward Suter-BMW machine he will ride in the 2012 MotoGP World Championship as he completed 39 laps at Jerez.

The American made a belated first appearance on the CRT bike around the Spanish circuit having skipped track action since injuring his shoulder in the accident that claimed the life of Marco Simoncelli at Sepang last month.

Sharing the track with Ivan Silva on the Inmotec and Yonny Hernandez on the BQR Kawasaki, Edwards was comfortably fastest of the MotoGP bikes with an unofficial best effort of 1min 43.9secs. 

However, the American remained one second slower than the fastest Moto2 rider of the day, Scott Redding, and was just over four seconds off his own qualifying time at Jerez riding the 800cc Tech 3 Yamaha earlier this year.

Silva, recently crowned CEV Stock Extreme Champion, posted a lap of 1min 45.5, while Hernandez's best was 1min 45.7secs.

Also on track was Ducati, with Franco Battiani and Carlos Checa assuming rider duties in the absence of Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden. 

No lap times were disclosed, with Checa taking to Twitter to merely state 'nice experience, different feelings in sunny Jerez', though GPOne.com suggests the Spaniard lapped at 1min 41.0secs.

source: crash

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Edwards to make Suter-BMW debut

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Some people have been saying that we really can't judge the CRT's until a top rider finally gets the chance to use one: well that time has come, and that rider is Colin Edwards. The American will ride the Team Forward Suter-BMW during the upcoming Jerez test session, scheduled for this Wednesday through Friday.

Despite some inconsistent race performances, Colin is still extremely fast, and well known for his testing ability.  The only lingering question is his fitness, after he was injured in the tragic Sepang crash which took Marco Simoncelli's life.

In any case, it should certainly be interesting to see what the Texan thinks of the production based machine, and how it compares to his old Yamaha M1.

source: GP One

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Yamaha lacking riders for Valencia

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For the season ending race at Valencia, Yamaha still has to find riders to fill all of their seats.  Jorge Lorenzo hasn't recuperated fully from his finger injury, Colin Edwards has a shoulder and wrist injuries from the Sepang incident, and there is still some question whether Ben Spies will be fit to race after sitting out the Malaysian GP.

The problem, therefore, is finding substitute riders that are up to the challenge. "We are looking for riders of a certain level - said Yamaha team director Lin Jarvis, at Simoncelli's funeral - We want something other than a regular test rider."

With former factory Yamaha WSBK riders Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty already under contract to BMW and Aprilia, respectively, the top choices could now be BSB champion Tommy Hill, and WSS champion Chaz Davies.

The problem of finding suitable replacement riders for MotoGP, Jarvis pointed out, is also a result of the small grid size: "Honda invested heavily this season, and that's reflected in the price of their bikes - he continued - Yamaha has tried to keep their leasing costs affordable for satellite teams.  The problem is that MotoGP physically lacks the bikes for young riders to grow on."

source: GP One

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Edwards to miss Valencia MotoGP round

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Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Colin Edwards is recovering well from injuries sustained in the tragic accident that claimed the life of popular Italian rider Marco Simoncelli in Sepang last weekend. However the 37-year-old though will not be fit to ride his YZR-M1 machine in next weekend's Valencia MotoGP round, as he requires surgery on a left arm injury that resulted from a three-rider incident on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

dwards was assessed by orthopedic specialist Dr Henry Small at the University General Hospital in Houston on Wednesday and it was confirmed he has multiple small fractures to the top of his left humerus bone, which connects the shoulder to the elbow.

There is also damage to the cartilage around the tip of the humerus bone, which will require surgery next Tuesday. With a four-week recovery period, Edwards will not be able to take part in the Valencia race on November 6, which was due to be his final appearance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

Edwards also suffered severe bruising and swelling to both wrists and right heel in the accident, but additional checks at the University General Hospital showed no fractures.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is currently considering replacement options for the Valencia round and an announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity.

Colin Edwards:

“Firstly, I want to thank everybody for all their messages of support since Sunday. The support and love has been overwhelming and it has been a great comfort to me at this difficult time. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Marco and I will miss him a lot, as will the entire MotoGP family. I watched Marco's funeral yesterday and I really wish I could have been there. I wanted to go but unfortunately my injuries meant I was unable to travel. I know Valentino spoke to Marco's family on my behalf and I thank him for that. It was a great service and a fitting celebration of his life. I also wanted to be in Valencia next week to give my support to MotoGP, but it is not going to be possible because of the surgery I need on my left arm. The top of my left humerus bone has got multiple small fractures but the cartilage that is around the top of the bone has been pulled off. The surgery will anchor the cartilage back to the bone but there is no nerve damage, so I should be 100 per cent in about four weeks."

Press release courtesy of Monster Yamaha Tech 3

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Edwards 'holding up ok', suspects further injuries

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"I feel sad for the whole MotoGP community right now, my heart is heavy for everyone affected, from family to fans. God speed my friend, u will be missed" - Colin Edwards.

Following Valentino Rossi's Twitter post, Colin Edwards - the other rider involved, and injured, during Marco Simoncelli's fatal MotoGP accident at Sepang on Sunday - has used his Facebook page to pass on the following message:

"Thanks to everyone for ur support at this time :( Very sad to see a friend pass in any case. I'm holding up ok mentally, it was a very tragic accident :( Physically, besides a dislocated shoulder & ligaments involved, think both wrists & left heel have fractures too, getting X-rays on Wednesday. I feel sad for the whole MotoGP community right now, my heart is heavy for everyone affected, from family to fans. God speed my friend, u will be missed.

"CE"

source: crash

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Colin Edwards dislocates shoulder in Sepang tragedy

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Colin Edwards suffered a dislocated left shoulder during the accident that claimed the life of Marco Simoncelli in Sunday's Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang.

"The American has left the Sepang International Circuit to begin his recovery at home in America and his thoughts and prayers are with Simoncelli and the Gresini Honda family," read part of a statement from Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (see the Simoncelli tribute story for the full version).

Edwards and Ducati's Valentino Rossi had no chance to avoid the fallen Simoncelli, as he was pulled by his bike across the race track in front of them on lap two of the grand prix.

Rossi, a close friend of Simoncelli, escaped unharmed.

As a mark of respect, Honda has cancelled its planned 1000cc test session at Sepang on Monday.

source: crash

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Edwards lands season best qualifying at sizzling Sepang

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Colin Edwards flew the flag for Yamaha in tremendous style at the Sepang International Circuit today, the American showcasing his skill and experience to claim fourth place on the grid for the Shell Advance Malaysian Grand Prix.

A fastest lap of 2’02.010 was over 0.4s faster than his best practice pace on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 and secured the popular 37-year-old his best grid position since he qualified fourth at the Valencia round in 2008.

Fine-tuning the set-up he worked on during two winter test sessions at the long and technical Sepang circuit, Edwards was able to find crucial tenths with improved turning performance and better rear grip in searing hot conditions this afternoon, as temperatures once again peaked at over 30 degrees coupled with punishing humidity.

Hard-charging Cal Crutchlow also had a positive session, the British rider will start from his best grid position since the Laguna Seca round in July. The 25-year-old's hard work to improve rear grip on the slippery Sepang surface paid off handsomely and he was able to lower his pace to a 2’02.756 lap, which secured him a superb 10th on the grid.

Colin Edwards:

“I'm ecstatic with this result because to get a fourth place in any session against this level of competition is a pretty big achievement. I said yesterday that we rolled the bike out of the crate hot and today I felt even more confident. Usually I have a really good couple of tests in February and then come back for the race and I have an awful time. But with this year's chassis I'm really enjoying this track. We've barely moved away from the setting we left the second test with in February and the bike feels awesome. I'm pushing hard but I don't feel like I'm right on the limit like I have in some races and it relatively easy. I can ride smooth and the bike is turning really well. We'd like more traction, but in this heat and humidity the grip is always going to be the thing that's missing. I'm not far off the front row but I didn't leave anything out there. The lap I did my best time on, I took a couple of risks, so I couldn't have done any better. Fourth is my best qualifying result since Valencia in 2008. That seems like a long, long time ago, so it would be great to follow today up with a top five result tomorrow and send my awesome Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew home happy."

Cal Crutchlow:

“I'm much happier today and I want to say a big thanks to my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew because they've worked really hard to improve my feeling on the bike. We definitely made some progress today and the bike was turning better and the rear grip was improved as well. It is going to be a long and tough race in the heat but also the track isn't in fantastic condition, so we'll be sliding around a lot at the end. The surface feels really greasy and it will be a case of who can keep the best grip for the longest but I'm confident we've got a good set-up. We'll try a couple of small changes to try and improve the bike in the warm-up and if we can gain a bit extra then I'm sure I can be fighting for the top 10 tomorrow. Colin did an amazing job today to take fourth. He's doing Yamaha proud without Jorge being here and Ben obviously riding in a lot of pain, so if anything he's getting faster as he gets older!”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

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Super start for Edwards in sweltering Sepang

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Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Colin Edwards enjoyed a positive start to his preparations for this weekend's Malaysian MotoGP race at a sweltering hot Sepang circuit today.

The extensive work on the set-up of his YZR-M1 machine during two winter test sessions at the Sepang circuit in February paid instant dividends for Edwards today, the experienced American immediately able to find a fast and consistent rhythm. He lapped in fourth place for the majority of this afternoon's second practice session, which took place in typically hot and humid conditions at the 5.548km track.

Air temperatures soared to well over 30 degrees and a best lap of 2.02.991s even tually secured the 37-year-old sixth position on the combined timesheets. Working on improving rear grip in the 32-laps he completed in physically demanding conditions, Edwards was almost 0.8s faster this afternoon. And he is confident with minor modifications to the set-up of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine ahead of tomorrow's final practice and qualifying session that he will be challenging for a place on the second row of the grid.

Cal Crutchlow's third visit of the year to the fast and technical Sepang circuit didn't run as smoothly as he had hoped. He worked closely with his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew to gain more rear side grip and better turning on corner entry, but he was unable to find a set-up that gave him the confidence to lap in the high 2.02 bracket like Edwards. The 25-year-old was 0.7s faster in the second session but a best lap of 2.03.901 left him down in 15th on the timesheets. That was just over a second away from fourth and Crutchlow is determined to improve his pace tomorrow to fight a top 10 result in qualifying ahead of Sunday's 20-lap race.

British rider Cal Crutchlow had a disappointing qualifying session and the 25-year-old was unable to find a comfortable set-up, despite the hard work of his crew to improve his feeling with the YZR-M1 machine. The bumpy sections of the spectacular Phillip Island circuit and a lack of front and rear grip have prevented Crutchlow from showing his true potential and he will start the race from 14th on the grid. He set a best time of 1.32.023 in his 28-lap run to finish just 0.043s behind nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi, and Crutchlow is optimistic that further set-up modifications overnight will strengthen his quest to claim a top 10 finish.

Colin Edwards:

“Today was a really good day and I was fast straight out of the crate. I was fourth for almost the whole of the second session and I'm happy to end up sixth. We pretty much ran the bike with the same set-up that we left the second test with in February and it felt great. That proves that testing twice here and riding lots of laps in punishing heat does work because we tried a couple of small changes on the bike but pretty much came back to the test setting. The first thing you need here is front-end confidence and the front was awesome right from the start. That gave us an opportunity to focus on improving rear grip and that's critical here. If you can get a set-up where the rear tyre is driving and not spinning, you can have a good race. The track is lacking a bit of rubber on it compared to the test but apart from that it feels pretty good. The conditions are typically hot here in Sepang but maybe it doesn't bother me as much as some of the others. I'm from Texas so I live in this type of heat and humidity and I'm pretty much used to it. Even though I've done millions of laps around this track I've never finished higher than eighth, but after a start like today I'm confident that I can do much better than that.”

Cal Crutchlow:

“Today was pretty tough to be honest and not just because of the extreme heat and humidity. We're searching for front and rear grip and when the conditions are as hot as here, that's not an easy task. I'm missing side grip on the rear and li ke a few other tracks we've been to recently, I'm having problems getting the bike turned. The track is obviously in a lot different condition to when we tested here because the times are about two seconds slower, but I'd hoped to be a bit higher up the rankings. I knew it was going to be a tough day because I found this place hard during the two tests at the start of the year. It is such a long lap that it is difficult to get a lap nailed perfectly, but looking at the timesheets I am a second off fourth place and I'm not happy with the bike, so that gives me some encouragement. We'll continue working hard as always tomorrow and I'm sure we can find a few tenths to move up the order.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

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