Colin Edwards Signs One-Year Contract with Tech3

Officially announced after today’s Aragon GP, Colin Edwards has signed-on with Monster Yamaha Tech3 for another year of racing with the satellite team. In what was Edwards’ 100th appearance on a Yamaha, the Texan had a disappointing finish, but has seen his best results while on the French team. Edwards will join his new teammate for next year, Cal Crutchlow, and help the British rider come up to speed on the 800cc Yamaha MotoGP bike, and the pair is highly favored to be the top satellite riders next season.

“I am delighted to have signed a new one-year contract with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team,” said the Texan Tornado. “I want to say a big thanks to Yamaha and to Tech3 for their unwavering support. I am honoured to continue my long and successful relationship with Yamaha, Herve Poncharal and all at Tech3. I love the team and feel like part of a big family and I’m thrilled that our adventure together is continuing next year.”

“I’m excited at the challenge of competing in the MotoGP world championship again and still being competitive in probably the strongest field in history is an achievement I’m proud of. I am also looking forward to working with and helping out Cal Crutchlow next season. I’d like to think I helped James Toseland and Ben Spies adapt when they arrived in MotoGP, and I will be doing my utmost to do the same for Cal if he needs any advice. I think all of us can look forward to an exciting 2011 together.”

We’re not too certain about how much Edwards helped James Toseland, considering the pair had a falling out during the 2009 season; however Edwards has been an open resource to Ben Spies during this year’s season, which has seen the rookie rider vault to the top of the satellite standings, and even take some podium positions.

The 2011 season is likely to be the Edwards’ last season, where it’s expect he will retire and then become an ambassador for Yamaha in motorcycle racing, and the industry at large. When we last talked to Monster Yamaha Tech3 boss Hervé Poncharal, he cited these post-racing concerns as being the roadblock to an agreement.

“I am thrilled to have reached a new agreement with Colin for the 2011 MotoGP world championship,” said Poncharal. “His appetite and passion for racing is stronger than ever and he has been an incredible asset for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team. He is a great character but he has consistently proven that he remains one of the fastest riders in the world and I am glad that the Tech3 story with Colin will go on for one more year.”

“I believe with Colin’s experience and boundless enthusiasm and Cal’s hunger and desire to succeed in MotoGP that the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team can already look forward to 2011 with tremendous optimism.”