Assen MotoGP: Front tyre issue costs Colin Edwards front row

American Colin Edwards blamed front tyre issues for leaving him only sixth on the grid for tomorrow’s Dutch MotoGP.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider had to settle for sixth place having clocked a best time of 1.36.278. That time actually put Edwards top of the timesheets at one stage but he was unable to improve his time on his last two sets of Michelin front and rear qualifying tyres.

His biggest problem came from front tyre issues with his final two sets, although he was at a loss to explain it.

Edwards said: “The grip didn’t seem to be quite as good as yesterday and the times on race tyres weren’t as good as yesterday because of this morning’s rain.

“I put my first qualifier on and did a 36.2 and I thought ‘awesome’. I told my team I could do a mid-35 because that first qualifier is always just getting used to the extra traction, so I was really confident and I expected to be on the front row.

“But on my next set of tyres and it just never happened. Most corners at this track are right-handers and I had an issue with the right side of the front tyre. It wasn’t chatter and it is really strange.

“I’m not blaming anybody but I can’t remember the last time I had this problem. But I couldn’t go fast and I didn’t have the same issue with the first set and I didn’t change the bike.

“I wasn’t too worried because I had another set and went out and it was the same problem but worse on the left side of the front. The right was perfect but I was struggling to get my knee on the ground on the left and it was weird.

“We need to have a look at the data and talk it over with the guys but it has really thrown me. But I’m ready for tomorrow whether it’s raining or not.

“I was pleased it rained this morning because we got the bike set-up good for the rain. I can’t complain too much being on the second row with some of the problems I had.”