Colin Edwards ready for strong Ben Spies challenge

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal believes the instant impact made by Texan Ben Spies in MotoGP will inspire team-mate Colin Edwards in 2010.

Double World Superbike champion Edwards was beaten by Spies for the first time after last week’s final winter test session at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

Spies’ impressive Qatar test performance, which came despite two crashes, was the latest in a string of eye-catching displays from the reigning World Superbike champion.

He has made a seamless transition to Yamaha’s YZR-M1 machine and finished fourth quickest during the night test.

And Poncharal believes Spies’ form will give Edwards plenty of motivation ahead of the 2010 campaign, with the 36-year-old looking to build on his brilliant fifth place in last year’s world championship.

Poncharal told MCN: “The new bike and the new engine suit Colin’s style a lot. In some places last year he couldn’t ride how he wanted to but that new M1 is going to help him.

“Clearly Colin is happy but he is aware how strong his team-mate is. Colin is always laughing and joking but he understands there is a strong challenge and he is ready to take it with his team-mate.

“It will be very interesting to watch.”