Qatar MotoGP: Colin Edwards confident for 2009

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Colin Edwards has backed himself to become a regular top six threat when the new MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar this weekend.

The Texan has set consistent and competitive lap times during winter testing on the new Yamaha YZR-M1 and immediately adapted to the new Bridgestone tyres available under the new single tyre rule.

Edwards has already stated his desire to continue racing in MotoGP beyond 2009, even though he will be 36 at the start of the 2010 campaign as he has yet to break his victory duck in 102 premier class starts.

He told MCN: “I’m expecting a good year. I’m not coming here to finish top seven or eight.

“The biggest thing is putting the work in and fine-tuning the bike to where it is easy. Anybody can go out there and turn their brain off to do a fast lap, but you need to go out and fine-tune and get the bike working for your style, that is what I’ve been doing.

“I got a bit of extra motivation for this year and I feel good. For me I feel comfortable on the tyres and the bike feels great. I’m not really searching for anything.

“For so many years I’ve been searching for three or four tests on the new bike to find a good baseline.

“Thankfully Valentino (Rossi) had a good baseline so we have adapted that and it works. I’m confident I’ll be running close to the front.”