MotoGP: Colin Edwards calm over Valentino Rossi’s Bridgestone switch

Colin Edwards said he has no issues with remaining on Michelin tyres in 2008, despite Valentino Rossi nearing a deal to run his factory Yamaha on Bridgestone rubber next year.

The Texan will be one of at least two Yamaha riders, including fellow double World Superbike champion and new Tech 3 team-mate James Toseland, who will run on Michelin tyres next season.

Valentino Rossi though appears to have successfully manoeuvred a deal to run Bridgestone tyres.

Colin Edwards, who had asked Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal to try and secure a deal with the Japanese factory when he signed in the summer having lost his factory berth alongside Valentino Rossi, said: “I’m on Michelins. I’m comfortable with staying on Michelin’s.

“We’ve made a pretty big step and now we know what we had last year that worked, and what we had this year that absolutely didn’t work. So we know what direction wasn’t the right one.”

Colin Edwards refused to be drawn on whether he was shocked at Rossi’s insistence on quitting Michelin, given that Yamaha management had been convinced by Michelin’s new commitment for next season.

“The grass is always greener on the other side. We know what Michelin have and what they can do, so it just a matter of bringing out the best in them.

“I think all the pressure we have put on them this year means next year we will see the best of what they have got because there has to be a backlash, ” the 33-year-old told MCN.

Colin Edwards, who finished Sunday’s Phillip Island GP in ninth, said he understood the reasons why Rossi was so keen to jump ship.

“You look at your competitor and look at who has won all the races and you look at what he (Casey Stoner) has that you could possibly have. Bike and team are out the question so he has tyres that Valentino Rossi could possibly get.

“The other side is having faith in Michelin and saying ‘come on guys, pull your shit together and go out and kick some ass.’ I’m happy with the latter. I’m happy with Michelin though I’ll admit this year at times I haven’t been, “said Colin Edwards.