Assen MotoGP: Tech 3 boss hails ‘incredible’ Colin Edwards

Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal hailed Colin Edwards’ Assen performance as ‘incredible’ after the American came from last to third in today’s 26-lap race.

Edwards snatched third just metres from the finish line after Repsol Honda rider Nicky Hayden suffered heartache when his motorbike ran of fuel as he accelerated towards the chequered flag.

Edwards had been dead last on lap one after he missed a collision with Valentino Rossi and Randy de Puniet.

Poncharal said: “Colin was incredible today. I was really upset after what happened on the first lap because he has always been very fast this weekend and we were convinced with the pace he had shown that he could have challenged for the podium.

“This is racing but Colin was last and we thought it was over. When we saw his pace we had even more regret, so we were just thinking about what might have been. But he made an incredible recovery and we can’t believe this podium.

“When I saw him come out of the chicane and pass Nicky it was an incredible emotion. His lap times were very impressive and close to Casey’s, which was not easy to achieve this weekend, so I think he deserved this.

“Nobody wants to see what happened to Nicky but today it was Colin’s turn to have the luck after what happened in 2006. I am really happy for the team.”