Yamaha expect improvement from James Toseland and Colin Edwards

Senior Yamaha race boss Lin Jarvis has said he expects an improved performance from Tech 3 duo James Toseland and Colin Edwards in 2009.

Toseland’s impressive rookie campaign and a brilliant opening half to 2008 by American Edwards helped Herve Poncharal’s Tech 3 Yamaha squad to finish fourth in the coveted team world championship.

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Tech 3 were the highest place satellite team and defeated Suzuki and Kawasaki’s factory efforts, but Jarvis is confident that Toseland and Edwards can deliver even better results when the new season kicks off in Qatar on April 12.

“Tech 3 last year had a great year. They were absolutely the best satellite team. At Yamaha we had a great year with the factory Team and Tech 3 together last year.

“Can they do better? Yes, for sure. Their riders can finish higher up the grid. I think that both of their riders are capable of top six finishes if they have great years, so we would really hope that they can use the platform of last year’s good work, to make another step next year.

“With regards to your other question, I’ve completely forgotten! We only have four bikes on the grid, so I think that Yamaha’s position is different to some other factories that support satellite teams.

“Of course our focus will be on the factory team, as always taking the lead with development and so forth, but we will give the maximum support to Tech 3 that we can next year, and so I think Tech 3 will have a very competitive package and their riders will have what they need to get great results.