MotoGP: Colin Edwards wants more work on new Michelin rear

Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards says he’s in no rush to race Michelin’s new 16-inch rear tyre until further improvements can be made.

The Texan has extensively tested the 16-inch rear tyre during the winter, with Michelin concentrating a large portion of its development on the alternative to the favoured 16.5-inch rear.

The French factory has stepped up development on the 16-inch profile tyre, with bosses confident the increase in edge grip at full lean angle will be a critical advantage on the 800cc machines.

Edwards, who experimented with 16-inch rear tyres unsuccessfully last season, told MCN: “It is something we are definitely looking at. I told Michelin if they gave me a choice right now I’d still use the 16.5. A 16 is every bit as good, its just that we haven’t got that many laps on it that I wouldn’t choose it. As far as potential maybe there is more there, but it needs to be honed. I can’t say that its much better because I’m doing my best laps so far this winter on the 16.5, and I’ll run that until I’m three or four tenths faster on the 16.”

Edwards is back on track this weekend when the penultimate winter test kicks off in Jerez on Saturday, February 16.