MotoGP: Colin Edwards in favour of controlled tyre rule for MotoGP

Colin Edwards believes MotoGP bosses should consider a one-make tyre rule for the premier class world championship.

The double World Superbike champion reckons a radical revamp of the current tyre rule would protect MotoGP as a spectacle, with the last three races in Germany, America and the Czech Republic won by embarrassing margins.

Not one rider finished within the same second of each other in last weekend’s Brno clash, with 13 seconds covering the top three.

And Dorna is already worried fans are turning off in their droves at the failure to match the thrilling action of 2006.

MCN understands Dorna boss has already spoken to Bridgestone and Michelin bosses to suggest they consider revising the current tyre restriction rule for 2008 in a bid to get closer racing.

Colin Edwards told MCN: “I look around and think what a waste. You got these manufacturers spending 40 to 50 million dollars to build the best bike they can build, but yet you are counting on two tyre companies to bring the best rubber.

“If Dorna turned around tomorrow and said it’s a one-tyre make and we are all going to run Dunlops next year, then fantastic?

“I don’t care what tyre it is. I just think that some of the hard work and effort is being lost.”

Colin Edwards said his opinion of a controlled tyre had changed having the seen the positive impact it has had on racing as a spectacle in World Superbikes.

When World Superbikes switched to a one-make tyre rule with Pirelli the exclusive tyre supplier, Colin Edwards was sceptical about the change.

But he added: “I was against the one-tyre rule when they brought it out in World Superbikes. I wasn’t there but I was like ‘man that’s crap.’ But the racing has been awesome.

“That’s all I watch when I’m at home. Look at the 250 and 125 races, Dunlop is the tyre and those classes have such good racing because it’s a one-tyre make.

“If I was in charge and had the authority I’d say give me you’re bid. Who has got the best support and who will come in and run the show? Whoever has the best they win, simple as that.”

At the last two races, Bridgestone and Casey Stoner have dominated, while Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa have struggled woefully to get even close to mounting a podium threat because of tyre problems.

In Germany last month, it was Michelin’s turn to dominate as Dani Pedrosa won by the biggest margin in over a decade.
Michelin clearly need to improve their performance for the last six races, but Edwards reckons there will be on immediate backlash from the French manufacturer. 

“I think if they had something we’d have seen something. My honest opinion is that if Michelin could have replied we’d have known by now.

“We’d have an inclination that they have got something up their sleeve but I haven’t seen or heard anything yet,” said Edwards.