Edwards signs new Tech 3 contract
Added on Monday, September 20th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Edwards signs new Tech 3 contract
Colin Edwards has signed a new one-year contract with Tech 3 Yamaha, making him Cal Crutchlow’s teammate for 2011.
The veteran rider has agreed another contract extension with the satellite Yamaha team, despite being a vocal critic of the Tech 3 bike in 2010.
The 36-year-old, who sits 11th in the standings this season after finishing 5th last season, has openly criticised the performances of his Yamaha M1 this year, claiming earlier this year: “It’s last year’s bike, just with a slower engine. I’m riding better than ever, and I look like a **** moron. If Ben [Spies'] bike was any good, he’d be on the rostrum every weekend.”
Edwards was widely expected to leave the MotoGP paddock at the end of the year, with speculation linking him to World Superbikes rides with BMW and later Ducati, before they announced their withdrawal from the championship.
Speaking on the new contract, Edwards stated his commitment to Tech3 and to his new teammate Cal Crutchlow.
“I am delighted to have signed a new one-year contract with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team,” he claimed. “I want to say a big thanks to Yamaha and to Tech3 for their unwavering support.
“I am honoured to continue my long and successful relationship with Yamaha, Herve Poncharal and all at Tech3. I love the team and feel like part of a big family and I’m thrilled that our adventure together is continuing next year. I’m excited at the challenge of competing in the MotoGP world championship again and still being competitive in probably the strongest field in history is an achievement I’m proud of.
“I am also looking forward to working with and helping out Cal Crutchlow next season. I’d like to think I helped James Toseland and Ben Spies adapt when they arrived in MotoGP, and I will be doing my utmost to do the same for Cal if he needs any advice. I think all of us can look forward to an exciting 2011 together.”
