Colin Edwards cagey on Michelin testing role

Colin Edwards has played down talk that he will lead development for Michelin if the French brand takes over from Bridgestone as official MotoGP tyre supplier in 2016.

Michelin submitted its formal proposal to secure the exclusive tyre deal during last weekend’s Le Mans round, and the French manufacturer is a red-hot favourite to secure a return to MotoGP for the first time since 2008.

It prompted speculation that veteran American Edwards, who will retire at the end of 2014, will clinch a testing contract.

Edwards would be an obvious choice given his vast experience, and crucially he is still fast enough to give accurate feedback to help with tyre development.

He also has a close relationship with Michelin, and during his time in World Superbikes and MotoGP, he played a pivotal role in tyre testing and development.

Both his World Superbike titles with Honda in 2000 and 2002 were won on Michelin tyres.

Michelin’s Clermont-Ferrand base was like a second home for the 40-year-old, who denied being contacted by Michelin about a potential testing role.

Edwards told MCN: “I’ve had no contact but it is something that I would be interested in. It is all speculation and people think Michelin and me together would be a good fit after our history together. Michelin know what I’ve done. I don’t even know if I am in their thinking but I would definitely look at it.”

The deadline for interested parties to submit their application for the MotoGP tyre conrtact in 2016 closes on Thursday (May 22).