Colin Edwards to partner Cal Crutchlow in 2011

Colin Edwards has signed a new Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha deal at the Motorland Aragon track in Spain today.

The Texan’s new contract means he will partner British rider and former World Supersport champion Cal Crutchlow in the 2011 MotoGP world championship.

The 36-year-old has raced for Herve Poncharal’s Tech 3 squad since 2008 and during that period the popular American has produced his best form in the MotoGP class.

He finished top non-factory rider last season and is currently 11th in the 2010 rankings with a best result of seventh position in Laguna Seca, Brno and Misano.
The Tech 3 squad is hoping the double World Superbike champion’s wealth of experience will be an invaluable asset in helping Crutchlow adapt to MotoGP next season.

Edwards, who finished in a disappointing 12th place in today’s Motorland Aragon race in his 100th appearance for Yamaha, said:

“I am delighted to have signed a new one-year contract with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team. I want to say a big thanks to Yamaha and to Tech 3 for their unwavering support.

“I am honoured to continue my long and successful relationship with Yamaha, Herve Poncharal and all at Tech 3. I love the team and feel like part of a big family and I’m thrilled that our adventure together is continuing next year.

“I’m excited at the challenge of competing in the MotoGP world championship again and still being competitive in probably the strongest field in history is an achievement I’m proud of.

“I am also looking forward to working with and helping out Cal Crutchlow next season. I’d like to think I helped James Toseland and Ben Spies adapt when they arrived in MotoGP, and I will be doing my utmost to do the same for Cal if he needs any advice. I think all of us can look forward to an exciting 2011 together.”

Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal said: “I am thrilled to have reached a new agreement with Colin for the 2011 MotoGP world championship. His appetite and passion for racing is stronger than ever and he has been an incredible asset for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

“He is a great character but he has consistently proven that he remains one of the fastest riders in the world and I am glad to the Tech 3 story with Colin will go on for at least another year.

“I believe with Colin’s experience and boundless enthusiasm and Cal’s hunger and desire to succeed in MotoGP that the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team can already look forward to 2011 with tremendous optimism.”