MotoGP: Tech 3 Yamaha switch helping Colin Edwards

Tech 3 Yamaha chief Herve Poncharal believes Colin Edwards will be a stronger proposition in 2008, even though the American is no longer in Yamaha’s factory team.

The double World Superbike champion lost his seat alongside Valentino Rossi in the Fiat Yamaha team to make way for Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo.

Edwards joined British rider James Toseland in the French-based Tech 3 squad and finished seventh in the season’s opening race.

And Herve Poncharal is confident that free from the pressure of being Rossi’s team-mate and being a full factory rider will help the Texan.

Poncharal told MCN: “Colin was Valentino’s team-mate and Valentino is the greatest rider so far in MotoGP.

“He has the potential on track and he has the charisma and the personality that eats up everything.

“For sure it mustn’t be easy because even if you don’t have that charisma, to be a top rider you have an ego. Anybody must suffer.

“I believe Colin feels he was well treated where he was but for sure he feels more relaxed in our team.

“And Colin is the type of rider that likes to be in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and if I can give him that and he feels good with us I’m happy.”