Jerez MotoGP: Colin Edwards robbed of podium

Colin Edwards suffered last lap heartache in Jerez when a technical failure cost him third place in yesterday’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The Texan had easily pulled away from fellow American Nicky Hayden in the closing stages and looked a certainty to claim his first premier class rostrum since the 2009 British Grand Prix at Donington Park.

But his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine broke down at the first turn on the final lap.

The double World Superbike champion said: “It’s pretty tough to take because getting a podium in MotoGP is not something you get chance to get every week. The race was unbelievable because it was all about who could keep it on two wheels the longest.

“You could try and say that was a race but my rear tyre was like a slick at the end so it was more of a battle of survival. I was quite a way back at one stage but just didn’t want to do anything stupid and crash and I just felt more and more confident to push.

“Nicky came back to me really quickly and I knew I’d have no problem passing him because he was in trouble with his tyres. I didn’t have a lot more grip but I pulled away from him and the podium was right in front of me. I thought we might actually get on the podium and when I passed I just wanted to put some clean laps in.

“I knew there was no way he could come back at me but I went down the straight and I could feel it wasn’t right.  The bike didn’t feel great coming out of the last corner to start the last lap and by the time I got to the first corner it just stopped.

“Obviously I’m disappointed but I can’t change what happened. That’s motorcycle racing and sometimes it can be a very unkind business.”

For more from Edwards and a comprehensive round-up of all the Jerez MotoGP action, see Wednesday’s issue of MCN.