With the announcement that Colin Edwards would be unable to attend and race the Valencian GP because of injuries he sustained during the tragic incident that killed Marco Simoncelli, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 said earlier today that it was looking into a replacement rider for the last MotoGP round. With speculation swirling after Tech 3’s announcement, Asphalt & Rubber has now been able to confirm that AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will be the Texas Tornardo’s replacement at Valencia.
First confusingly tipped-off by a press release from Hayes’ leather sponsor Teknic, the American has since been confirmed by our sources to be headed to Spain for next weekend’s race. The move is perhaps a no-brainer for the satellite Yamaha squad, as Hayes was already set to test Edward’s 800cc Yamaha YZR-M1 during the post-season testing sessions after the Valencian GP. Hayes was given the opportunity to ride the M1 surely because of his well-earned AMA Superbike Championship victory this year, with Colin Edward’s departure to Forward Racing at the end of the season freeing up the machine.
Photo: Monster Graves Yamaha
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