Sachsenring MotoGP: Colin Edwards disappointed to miss out on top five

The best run of results in Colin Edwards’ career came to an abrupt end today when he crashed out of fifth place in today’s rain-lashed German GP.

Bidding for a sixth successive top five finish, Edwards escaped injury when he high-sided out of fifth place on lap 21 as he battled severe grip issues with his rear Michelin rain tyre.

The deflated Texan said: “All I can is it was a very tough race right from the start. The conditions were not easy but I got a reasonable start and just wanted to get into a steady pace. But it was obvious from quite early on that it was going to be difficult. I didn’t have a lot of feel from the rear tyre and I tried everything I could to hang in there and keep a top five finish for the team, who have been great all weekend. It would have also kept my own personal good run going. But as the race wore on it wasn’t getting any better and I lost the rear at the downhill left-hander. I had no warning at all and I didn’t feel I was particularly pushing too hard because by that stage a podium had already gone. I was trying to keep Dovizioso behind me to at least finish top Michelin rider. I’d tried to follow Casey and Valentino but I just didn’t have anything for them. Fifth was going to be the best result I could have managed today and that’s a bit disappointing because in the dry I think I could have been fighting for a podium. I’m just grateful I didn’t get hurt in the crash because I’ve got my home race coming up and I desperately want to put on a good performance for the fans, Tech 3 and Yamaha at Laguna Seca. After this disappointment I’ll be looking to bounce straight back.”