Tech 3 confirms Japanese MotoGP attendance

Monster Yamaha Tech 3, which runs Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow, has become the first MotoGP team to announce that it will definitely participate in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Despite a recent report concluding that the radiation risk at Motegi - around 110km from the damaged Fukushima powerplant - is 'negligible', many leading riders are yet to make a final decision on whether they feel it is safe to attend.

A Tech 3 statement released on Saturday at Brno read: 

"After carefully considering the findings of a detailed independent report commissioned by Dorna into the possible risk of radiation contamination in the area surrounding the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, Colin Edwards, Cal Crutchlow and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team can confirm that unless there is a change in circumstances, they will compete in the Japanese MotoGP race on October 2."

Meanwhile, Edwards and Crutchlow will start Sunday's Brno race from eighth and eleventh on the grid.

Edwards made good set-up progress on Saturday.

“I'm much happier today with the performance of the bike and I need to say a big thanks to my crew again for their incredible work," he said. "Yesterday I just wasn't comfortable at all and had no feeling with the front or rear of the bike. I told my crew what I was feeling on the track and it is up to them to interpret that and try and improve the bike. And today they did an absolutely awesome job and I had a much better package."

Rookie Crutchlow lost places after a late crash.

“I'm happy on one hand because we made a big change to the bike to help it turn better and it was a really good step. But I'm a little disappointed on the other hand because I made a silly little mistake that probably cost me the chance to get on the third row," he said. 

"We were making some good progress with the new front set-up and I was faster in the first two splits than my previous best lap when I just ran in too hot at Turn 10. I should have just ran into the gravel but I tried to make the corner, squeezed the brake a bit harder and down I went."

source: crash.net

Edwards and Crutchlow set sights on double top 10 result

Edwards will start from the middle of the third row in eighth position, the American brilliantly capitalising on a range of set-up modifications to his YZR-M1 machine to post a best time of 1’57.676. The popular 37 year-old was able to run consistently inside the top 10 for the entire session, the set-up changes drastically improving front and rear grip to allow Edwards to qualify leading non-factory rider once again in 2011.

His best time was just over 0.3s away from the second row and the Texan is now confident he can challenge for his first ever top six finish at the Brno circuit in tomorrow's race, which is the 11th round of this year's MotoGP World Championship.

Crutchlow too demonstrated his encouraging speed in the early part of the session, the British rider reaping the benefits of major front-end set-up changes to give him more turning performance. Crutchlow, who was an impressive seventh quickest in a rain-affected final practice session this morning, was able to run inside the top three at one stage, as he worked on fine-tuning the race set-up of his YZR-M1 machine.

The 25 year-old seemed certain to challenge for a spot on the third row of the grid when a small mistake at Turn 10 resulted in an unfortunate crash with 12 minutes remaining. Crutchlow sprinted back to the pits to jump on his second YZR-M1 bike, but he was unable to improve on his time of 1’57.797 and will start the race from 11th. The major front-end modifications though have boosted Crutchlow's confidence in full race trim and he is aiming to battle for a top seven finish tomorrow.

Colin Edwards, 8th:

“I'm much happier today with the performance of the bike and I need to say a big thanks to my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew again for their incredible work. Yesterday I just wasn't comfortable at all and had no feeling with the front or rear of the bike. I told my crew what I was feeling on the track and it is up to them to interpret that and try and improve the bike. And today they did an absolutely awesome job and I had a much better package. I went from feeling like I was riding on marbles yesterday to having a lot of traction today and I felt much more comfortable. We actually just threw in last year's race set-up and even though I'm using a completely different chassis, it worked brilliantly, although I'm still 0.4s slower than last year. I'm not sure why that is. I'm not sure if the track lost some grip after the rain this morning because this afternoon in the dry my bike was so much better than yesterday, so I can't really compare. Looking at the calibre of the guys in front of me and what they are riding, I think to be completely realistic, I wouldn't be upset to finis h where I qualified.”

Cal Crutchlow, 11th:

“I'm happy on one hand because we made a big change to the bike to help it turn better and it was a really good step. But I'm a little disappointed on the other hand because I made a silly little mistake that probably cost me the chance to get on the third row. We were making some good progress with the new front set-up and I was faster in the first two splits than my previous best lap when I just ran in too hot at Turn 10. I should have just ran into the gravel but I tried to make the corner, squeezed the brake a bit harder and down I went. It's one of those things when you're pushing hard against this level of competition but I've felt much better on the bike here this weekend. My times have been consistently on the edge of the top six and I felt I could have probably qualified sixth or seventh. My race pace has been strong so I'm just looking forward to having a good race tomorrow and picking up valuable points.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

Crutchlow and Edwards make solid start at Czech GP

After a well deserved two week summer break, Crutchlow was instantly back in the groove in cloudy conditions this morning, the British rider setting the ninth quickest time. The 25 year old was able to dedicate all his time on improving the set up of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine having previously raced at the Brno circuit in the World Superbike Championship.

And he put that previous track knowledge to good use in this afternoon's second session, which was run in hotter and brighter conditions that saw temperatures increase to 23 degrees. Crutchlow improved his pace by more than half-a-second this afternoon and a time of 1.57.859 put him sixth at one stage. He eventually finished ninth but giving his confidence a major boost, he finished just over 0.3s away from fifth position on combined times.

American Colin Edwards worked hard to improve rear grip with his YZR-M1 machine in both sessions and he was almost 0.2s faster in the second 45-minute practice. The Texan though is still searching for a more comfortable setting to show more of his true potential after he had to settle for 12th on the timesheets with a best lap of 1.58.313.

Cal Crutchlow:

“Today was a positive day and we made a good improvement with the bike and I feel like the front-end feeling I've been missing in the last few races is definitely better. We tried a new handlebar position, bringing them closer to me and it was a positive step. It is still not as good as I'd like it to be but we'll try and change the set-up of the bike for tomorrow to gain some more turning performance. I should have been a little bit quicker but I made a mistake on the last lap and I'm sure I could have been in the top seven. Valentino (Rossi) and (Alvaro) Bautista just got me at the end but I'm confident I can be battling for around seventh place in the race on Sunday. Not having to learn the circuit today has been a big help and I've proved with some track knowledge I can finish in front of some guys with a lot more experience than me in MotoGP. Maybe I've been pushing too hard in the last few weeks without the track knowledge on new circuits, but today my pace was pretty consistent and it was a solid start and gives me a platform to build on now for the rest of the weekend.”

Colin Edwards:

“Today has been a bit of a struggle to be honest and I was hoping to be a bit higher up the timesheets than 12th. We are working hard to find a solution but right now we're still missing something in the set-up of the bike that allows me to push at a level I feel comfortable and confident at. My biggest problem is the rear grip and it doesn't feel like the tyre is getting the force into the ground I need and I'm riding on a small contact patch. As a consequence that also has an impact on front feeling and that is not the formula for setting fast lap times. I'm running wide a lot and to make sure I can get the bike turned I have to slow the corner speed right down. But losing a lot of corner speed kills the lap time, so I've got have a sit down tonight with my crew and come up with a plan to change the bike for tomorrow to see if we can make it better.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Edwards targeting first Brno top six

A first top-six finish at Brno is the main target for Colin Edwards this weekend, as the Texan seeks to consolidate is position as the top satellite rider in the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

The Tech 3 rider arrives at round ten holding eighth in the championship, four points clear of Gresini Honda's Hiroshi Aoyama and having been the only non-factory rider to stand on the podium so far this year.

"I am really excited about going to Brno, even though it has never been a great track for me for some reason. But it is the start of the second half of the season and I can't wait to get back on my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine," said Edwards, who made his Brno MotoGP debut in 2003.

"I've had some decent results at Brno but nothing really great. I've never scored a top six there so I'll be aiming to put that right on Sunday. We've struggled with set-up issues since Sachsenring and nothing has gone fantastic since then. 

"But I'm confident we can make the bike better at Brno and a good result will set us up nicely for the last seven races, starting with another trip home to Indianapolis later this month, which I'm really excited about."

During the summer break Edwards welcomed the Tech 3 crew to his Texas Tornado Boot Camp.

"I had some decent time off with the family and spent some days in the Boot Camp. All the guys from the Team came straight after Laguna Seca and we all had a great time, and it is clear that I'm not the only one fast on two wheels in our squad!" said Edwards.

Crutchlow buoyant for second-half of season

Cal Crutchlow is confident he can turn his maiden MotoGP World Championship season around during the second-half of the year as he approaches circuits that are more familiar to him.

The British rider has shown flashes of speed aboard the Tech 3 Yamaha this season, particularly in qualifying, but his form has dipped since injuring himself in a fall at Silverstone, Crutchlow scoring just four points in the last four races.

Down to 15th in the overall standings, Crutchlow nonetheless has higher hopes for the upcoming races around circuits that bear a greater resemblance to those on the World Superbike calendar, starting with this weekend's event at Brno.

"I am looking forward to the second half of the season as some of the tracks that are coming up I know and I've done well on before, including Brno. Almost all the circuits in the first half of the season were new for me and I always had to learn from zero. But that's all part of the learning experience and I'm concentrating solely on getting a good result this weekend and putting the bad luck behind me. 

“The last few races have been quite difficult, but I showed at the start of the season my potential with some strong performances, and that's the form I need to rediscover, starting in Brno this weekend. The track is a good one for me and I've got good memories from last season when I got on the podium and also took pole position in World Superbikes. 

“So it is a track I know I am fast on and I am looking forward to seeing how it feels on a MotoGP bike. I had a good summer break and stayed on in America for a holiday, but now I'm ready to get back working hard with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and having a good final part of the season.”

source: crash.net

Edwards and Crutchlow raring to return to action at Brno

The welcome two-week summer break that followed an intense period of six races in eight weekends gave Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow the perfect opportunity to recharge their batteries for the final phase of the season.

Edwards was able to relax with family and friends at home in America while also welcoming the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team crew to his popular Texas Tornado Boot Camp immediately after the last race at Laguna Seca. The 37-year-old has been a model of consistency in 2011 with seven top ten finishes, including a stunning podium finish in a rain-lashed British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Edwards is confident he can extend his impressive sequence of results in Brno this weekend by challenging for his first top six finish at the Czech Republic venue, which is one of the most popular on the 18-round schedule.

British rider Crutchlow is looking forward to this weekend's Brno race and he's in determined mood to recapture the brilliant form he showed at the start of his rookie MotoGP campaign. Crutchlow was competing for a top ten at the previous race at Laguna Seca last month when he crashed out of contention, but the 25-year-old is optimistic he can put a disappointing run of results behind him at Brno. Crutchlow claimed pole position and one podium finish during last year's Brno World Superbike round and he's looking forward to being back on familiar territory having never previously raced on eight out of 10 tracks so far in 2011.

The Brno race is one of only four European stops remaining for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team this season, with the French-based squad also embarking on long-haul trips to America, Japan, Australia and Malaysia in the coming weeks.

Colin Edwards:

"I am really excited about going to Brno, even though it has never been a great track for me for some reason. But it is the start of the second half of the season and I can't wait to get back on my Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine. I had some decent time off with the family and spent some days in the Boot Camp. All the guys from the Team came straight after Laguna Seca and we all had a great time, and it is clear that I'm not the only one fast on two wheels in our squad! Looking ahead to this weekend, I've had some decent results at Brno but nothing really great. I've never scored a top six there so I'll be aiming to put that right on Sunday. We've struggled with set-up issues since Sachsenring and nothing has gone fantastic since then. But I'm confident we can make the bike better at Brno and a good result will set us up nicely for the last seven races, starting with another trip home to Indianapolis later this month, which I'm really excited about."

Cal Crutchlow:

"I am looking forward to the second half of the season as some of the tracks that are coming up I know and I've done well on before, including Brno. Almost all the circuits in the first half of the season were new for me and I always had to learn from zero. But that's all part of the learning experience and I'm concentrating solely on getting a good result this weekend and putting the bad luck behind me. The last few races have been quite difficult, but I showed at the start of the season my potential with some strong performances, and that's the form I need to rediscover, starting in Brno this weekend. The track is a good one for me and I've got good memories from last season when I got on the podium and also took pole position in World Superbikes. So it is a track I know I am fast on and I am looking forward to seeing how it feels on a MotoGP bike. I had a good summer break and stayed on in America for a holiday, but now I'm ready to get back working hard with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and having a good final part of the season.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Accident blow for Crutchlow

Cal Crutchlow's Laguna Seca race debut proved to be a brief one, when the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider crashed out of eleventh place on lap 4 of 32.

The MotoGP rookie looked poised to put a disappointing run behind him when he out-qualified team-mate and local star Colin Edwards to start tenth on the grid.

Crutchlow was then shadowing Suzuki's Alvaro Bautista when he lost the front-end of his M1 at Turn 2. It means the Englishman has scored just four points in the last four races, since his comeback from a broken collarbone at Silverstone.

“I lost the front at the second corner and it was a similar problem to what we've been experiencing in recent races," explained Crutchlow. "It was fine this morning in cooler conditions but as soon as the track temperature goes up, I have a few problems. Strangely it was only at that corner. 

"It is a shame because I think we had a good pace. Bautista wasn't getting away from me and he quickly got up to Valentino and Nicky, so I think I could have gone with him and been in that battle. 

"I'm disappointed I didn't finish the race and it is not good for the Championship but I wasn't the only one to crash today and it shows all of us are pushing on the limit. We have still learned quite a bit this weekend and the bike certainly felt better than it did in the last few races. 

"Now we go to some tracks that I know and I'm looking forward to it because it has been a tough run and I need to recover the form I was showing in the beginning of the season."

Team manager Herve Poncharal emphasised that Crutchlow needs to build experience and knowledge by finishing races.

"We had a very big disappointment for Cal. He got a reasonable start and his lap times were very good in the first few laps but he crashed early and that is a big pity," said Poncharal.

"This is Cal's rookie year where he needs to be gaining lots of experience and learning a lot, so to crash so early is very disappointing because we lost a lot of points in the championship. 

"But he also lost a lot of potential data that would have been very useful for next year. I would have liked him to finish the race and go into the summer break with a more positive feeling."

Crutchlow, who scored 30 of his 34 points in the first five rounds, is now 15th in the championship and 12 points behind fellow rookie Karel Abraham (Cardion AB).

source: crash

Edwards eighth, takes Tech 3 to Boot Camp

Colin Edwards finished a disappointing eighth in his home US MotoGP at Laguna Seca on Sunday.

It wasn't the kind of result the Texan, who stood on the US GP podium in 2005, had expected and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider admitted they had take a wrong turn in terms of set-up.

“Honestly I'm really disappointed because I came here for my home race and I expected bigger and better things," said Edwards. "I struggled all weekend with the set-up and we made a wrong turn somewhere in the last couple of races that have knocked us out of stride a little bit. 

"This morning we just put in the same setting I ran in last year's race and that wasn't great, but at least I felt more comfortable with it than what I'd been running all weekend. 

It wasn't the best setting but at least I felt comfortable to a point where I could push for some decent lap times. I just lacked front and rear grip. I've never ridden so hard in my life but I was a second off the pace and when [team-mate] Cal went down in front of me, there was no way I could go with Bautista. 

"I just had to be smooth because if I pushed I just ended up going slower. I still moved up in the Championship and got some good points, so now I'm just looking forward to a couple of weeks relaxing to get ready for the final part of the season.”

Team manager Herve Poncharal was pleased Edwards elected to settle for eight points.

“Colin had a really strong race today and he worked hard for some good points. He never gave up his pace, the rhythm was very constant and he was very near the pace of the factory Ducati for almost the entire race," said the Frenchman. 

"He asked me on the grid what I would like and I said that an eighth position would make me happy because it had not been an easy weekend for Colin. So I am happy with his performance."

Poncharal then confirmed that the Tech 3 team will be heading to Edwards' "Texas Tornado Boot Camp" riding school.

"The whole team is going to Colin's Boot Camp tomorrow and we are all excited about that," said Poncharal. "Hopefully we will all be back with fully recharged batteries when the season continues in Czech Republic."

The Brno round will be held on August 12-14.

source: crash

Home top ten for Edwards, Crutchlow crashes early

Sunday’s race started in gloriously sunny conditions with temperatures reaching 23 degrees and a sun-drenched crowd of 52,670 were treated to an exciting battle throughout the 32-lap encounter.

Edwards seized eighth from Héctor Barberá exiting the famous Corkscrew section on lap 14, but he was already six seconds adrift of the battle for sixth place involving Ducati duo Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden. He was able to run identical lap times to nine-times world champion Rossi and double Laguna Seca MotoGP winner Hayden in the middle phase of the race. But he was unable to reduce the gap and he opted not to take any unnecessary risks to ensure he collected eighth valuable World Championship points.

Today's result, which was the 37-year-old's seventh top ten finish of the campaign, moved him up one place in the overall rankings after to consolidate his position as the leading non-factory rider in 2011.

Cal Crutchlow's debut at the spectacular Laguna Seca circuit was unfortunately a short experience, the British rider's hopes of a return to the top 10 ended by an early crash. Starting from the front of the fourth row, Crutchlow was shadowing tenth placed Alvaro Bautista when he lost the front-end of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team machine at Turn 2. The 25-year-old was unhurt in the fourth lap incident but it was a disappointing conclusion to a weekend that had promised much from the 2009 World Supersport champion after he'd brilliantly got to grips with the 3.610km track.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team now commences a richly deserved two-week summer break before the 2011 MotoGP World Championship resumes in Brno on August 14.

Colin Edwards:

“Honestly, I'm really disappointed because I came here for my home race and I expected bigger and better things. I struggled all weekend with the set-up and we made a wrong turn somewhere in the last couple of races that have knocked us out of stride a little bit. This morning we just put in the same setting I ran in last year's race and that wasn't great, but at least I felt more comfortable with it than what I'd been running all weekend. It wasn't the best setting but at least I felt comfortable to a point where I could push for some decent lap times. I just lacked front and rear grip. I've never ridden so hard in my life but I was a second off the pace and when Cal went down in front of me, there was no way I could go with Bautista. I just had to be smooth because if I pushed I just ended up going slower. I still moved up in the Championship and got some good points, so now I'm just looking forward to a couple of weeks relaxing to get ready for the final part of the season.”

Cal Crutchlow:

“I lost the front at the second corner and it was a similar problem to what we've been experiencing in recent races. It was fine this morning in cooler conditions but as soon as the track temperature goes up, I have a few problems. Strangely it was only at that corner. It is a shame because I think we had a good pace. Bautista wasn't getting away from me and he quickly got up to Valentino and Nicky, so I think I could have gone with him and been in that battle. I'm disappointed I didn't finish the race and it is not good for the Championship but I wasn't the only one to crash today and it shows all of us are pushing on the limit. We have still learned quite a bit this weekend and the bike certainly felt better than it did in the last few races. Now we go to some tracks that I know and I'm looking forward to it because it has been a tough run and I need to recover the form I was showing in the beginning of the season."

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Solid start for Edwards and Crutchlow

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 pair got their respective Laguna Seca weekends off to a start on Friday.

Colin Edwards kicked off preparations for his home race at Laguna Seca today in encouraging fashion, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider finishing the opening day of practice for the US Grand Prix in ninth position.

In cool and overcast conditions this morning, Edwards commenced the second half of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship by setting the eighth quickest time, the popular Texan finishing just over 0.2s away from the top six.

This afternoon's session took place under clear blue skies and hotter conditions, with temperatures hitting a pleasant 22 degrees after a chilly 18 degrees this morning. Track temperature increased too by 15 degrees this afternoon and cheered on by a passionate home crowd, Edwards knocked almost 0.3s off his personal best from this morning to clock a lap of 1’23.183. That put him ninth on the combined timesheets but in a close fought session, he was just over a second away from the fastest pace.

Today's two 45-minute sessions saw Cal Crutchlow tackle another steep learning curve, the British rider quickly getting to grips with another new track in his impressive rookie campaign.

Crutchlow set a best of 1’24.018 this morning, the 25 year-old confidently building up his speed on the Laguna Seca track, which includes the world famous Corkscrew section, one of the most technically demanding corners on the calendar.

Working on a revised weight distribution setting to improve his confidence with the front-end of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine, Crutchlow lowered his time to a 1’23.70 7 in the second session.

Colin Edwards, 9th, 1’23.183:

“Today was a decent start and I'm happy with the way things went. In terms of the position it is not my best start to a weekend at Laguna Seca, but I'm actually happier with the feeling of the bike than I have been for a long time at this track. The bike felt really good from the start, though we can make some improvements to the rear tomorrow just to make it feel a bit smoother and a bit less nervous. I'm confident for the rest of the weekend because I'm pretty close to the top six and we know we can go faster. I want to say a big thanks also to Bridgestone. They a greed to bring some softer tyres for this weekend and it was definitely the right choice. When it was cool this morning we really needed the softer tyres, so everybody could just get a feel for the track and get comfortable without taking too many risks. We ran the harder tyre this afternoon and that will definitely be the race tyre, and we got some good information with that too, so I'm optimistic that I can put on a good show for the American fans, who have been amazing already this weekend.”

Cal Crutchlow, 13th, 1’23.707:

“It wasn't a bad day at all although obviously I want to be much higher up than 13th. At the moment it is quite difficult to do the lap time. I know going fast never comes easy but it feels like I'm quite close to the limit and I'm still over 1.6s behind. I'm the best of the rookies and that's a good start but it seems we've taken a step sideways and everybody else has taken a step forward. The bike feels better than Germany last weekend but we can still make it better. We're not far away and we've got some ideas to work on tonight but it also a lack of track knowledge that doesn't help. Trying to learn the track and go fast at the same time is not easy, but I'm making progress. The track itself is really good fun. The Corkscrew is pretty amazing although I've run off there twice. The key part is the approach and it is weird running up to it, because you can't even see it as you climb the hill. But it is a pretty amazing corner and it feels like you're dropping off the end of the earth.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

Crutchlow ‘working hard’ to improve results

Cal Crutchlow says he and the Tech 3 Yamaha team is determined to turn around a disappointing run of races and produce a strong result during the United States Grand Prix at Laguna Seca.

Crutchlow has endured a series of tough rounds since injuring himself during the British Grand Prix, the Briton finishing down in 14th position last time at the Sachsenring.

Nonetheless, though Laguna Seca will be another new circuit for Crutchlow to get his head around, he is looking forward to sampling its legendary layout and striving for a return to the top ten.

“The result last weekend in Germany was a bit disappointing but I'm ready to bounce back in Laguna Seca and fight for a top ten where I know I should be. I'm still searching for some more confidence in the front-end, but all of us in the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team are working non-stop to improve the situation and we've got a few ideas to try at Laguna.

“It is another new track for me but I'm really excited. Laguna Seca is such a famous name and the Corkscrew looks amazing. It looks awesome on TV, so I'm looking forward to getting on the bike on Friday and experiencing it for myself for the first time.

“I'll have to ask Colin for some tips, but I'm just concentrating on getting a decent result that we can build on for the rest of the season. The last few races have been quite difficult but I'll be working harder than ever this weekend to put things right."

source: crash

Edwards targets top six on home soil

Colin Edwards is optimistic he can challenge for a top six result on home soil at Laguna Seca in an effort to put on a show for the home fans.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider has enjoyed a solid run of results in recent races, peaking with his tremendous podium at Silverstone, but has only cracked the top six twice this season.

With this in mind, Edwards is determined to get back into the front pack and challenge for a strong results in front of his friends and family.

“I can't wait to get to Laguna because I love the place so much. I have a lot of family and friends that are coming which always makes it extra special, but the American fans are brilliant to me, so hopefully I can send them home smiling on Sunday night with a good result. 

“It has been a bit manic since Germany because I flew straight to LA to shoot another movie for Yamaha. They are always good fun and I really enjoy myself, so a big thanks to Yamaha US for all they do in arranging that for us. 

“I am really looking forward to the weekend and although 10th in Germany wasn't the result we wanted, it was actually a positive race. We certainly learned a few things about the bike because we made a lot of changes, so I've got good reason to be optimistic of fighting for the top six this weekend. That's my goal anyway and if we have a smooth weekend, I'm sure that's achievable. 

“I want to get a strong result not just because it's my home race, but it will make the summer break more relaxing and enjoyable and set me up for a strong push in the final part of the season.”

source: crash

Edwards and Crutchlow ready for California challenge

The immensely popular Texan, who has huge fan base at Laguna Seca, put in a tremendous amount of effort to improve the set-up of his Monster Yamaha YZR-M1 machine in Germany, and he's hoping to reap the rewards this weekend on the shortest track on the MotoGP calendar. Having finished seventh in the California clash in 2009 and 2010, the 37-year-old is determined to battle for a top six finish to delight what will be a large and passionate home support.

This weekend's race presents another fresh challenge for British rider Crutchlow, who is looking forward to testing his skills on the famous Laguna Seca track, which hosts the first of two visits to America for the MotoGP paddock in the space of five weeks. Crutchlow can't wait to get his first taste of the 3.610km circuit and he's looking forward to tackling the awe-inspiring Corkscrew corner, one which requires skill and bravery in abundance to master.

Crutchlow tried a range of different settings in Germany last weekend to improve his confidence with the front-end of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team. And while his 14th position didn't reflect his hard work, his c rew is positive they are moving in the right direction to give the 25-year-old the feeling he is looking for.

After a hectic run of six races in eight weeks, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team will enjoy a richly deserved short summer break after Sunday's race before the 2011 campaign resumes in Brno, Czech Republic on August 14.

Colin Edwards:

“I can't wait to get to Laguna because I love the place so much. I have a lot of family and friends that are coming which always makes it extra special, but the American fans are brilliant to me, so hopefully I can send them home smiling on Sunday night with a good result. It has been a bit manic since Germany because I flew straight to LA to shoot another movie for Yamaha. They are always good fun and I really enjoy myself, so a big thanks to Yamaha US for all they d o in arranging that for us. I am really looking forward to the weekend and although 10th in Germany wasn't the result we wanted, it was actually a positive race. We certainly learned a few things about the bike because we made a lot of changes, so I've got good reason to be optimistic of fighting for the top six this weekend. That's my goal anyway and if we have a smooth weekend, I'm sure that's achievable. I want to get a strong result not just because it's my home race, but it will make the summer break more relaxing and enjoyable and set me up for a strong push in the final part of the season.”

Cal Crutchlow:

“The result last weekend in Germany was a bit disappointing but I'm ready to bounce back in Laguna Seca and fight for a top ten where I know I should be. I'm still searching for some more confidence in the front-end, but all of us in the Monster Yam aha Tech 3 Team are working non-stop to improve the situation and we've got a few ideas to try and Laguna. It is another new track for me but I'm really excited. Laguna Seca is such a famous name and the Corkscrew looks amazing. It looks awesome on TV, so I'm looking forward to getting on the bike on Friday and experiencing it for myself for the first time. I'll have to ask Colin for some tips, but I'm just concentrating on getting a decent result that we can build on for the rest of the season. The last few races have been quite difficult but I'll be working harder than ever this weekend to put things right."

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Crutchlow considers 'drastic changes' after big crash

MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow was lucky not to re-damage his healing collarbone in a big crash at the end of Saturday's qualifying session for the German Grand Prix.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider - criticised by some for pitting with front-end problems at the previous Mugello round, having needed a new front tyre at the event before that - lost the front of his M1 at turn eight.

The Briton was lucky to avoid his bouncing bike as he tumbled through the gravel and feels drastic changes could be needed to solve the problem.

"I thought we made a good improvement in the qualifying session and we made it into the 22s with an old race tyre and I was happy," said Crutchlow, who will start twelfth.

"I came in to put a new soft tyre on and with the extra grip we just pushed the front too much. We don't really know why at the moment, but we will have a look at the data to see if we can make some improvement for the race. 

"It is the same issue that I have been complaining about at the last two or three races, so we have to start considering making some drastic changes. We will keep working and the aim will be to get in the top 10 for tomorrow and I am determined to bring the team a good result."

Crutchlow broke his collarbone at Silverstone in mid-June.

Team-mate Colin Edwards will line-up seventh on the grid. The Texan was stunned by his best lap.

"Honestly, I have no idea where I pulled that last lap from. I didn't feel like I had a low 1.22 lap in me at all today but I just tried to push as hard as I could and stay as smooth as I could on that final lap and to get seventh is a great result for me and my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3," said Edwards.

"I've never got on with this track and today we've made so many changes to the bike that we're a million miles away from our normal setting. I'd say we haven't done big changes like this to the bike in about a year. 

"I haven't been able to get the bike turned but we kept plugging away and found something this afternoon that was better. This track is so tight and twisty you need a good turning bike, so I'm confident we can have a strong race.”

source: crash.net

Edwards battles to super seventh in Sachsenring

Despite not being in peak physical condition after being struck down by a severe sore throat overnight, the American finished only 0.211s away from a second row start at a sun-drenched Sachsenring.

After yesterday's practice sessions were run in cool and windy conditions, today's weather was ideal with air temperatures hitting a pleasant 25 degrees this afternoon, allowing Edwards to focus on making major improvements to the set-up of his YZR-M1 machine.

Edwards, who was uninjured in a small front-end crash at the first corner in this morning's final free practice session, made significant progress with increasing front-end confidence around the tight and twisty Sachsenring circuit. And his hard work was rewarded with a brilliant final lap of 1.22.368 to finish top non-factory rider in a closely contested session that saw the top 12 riders divided by less than one second.

British team-mate Cal Crutchlow looked like joining Edwards inside the top 10. He improved his front-end feeling to break into the 1.22 bracket for the first time this weekend with just under 20 minutes remaining.The 25-year-old had climbed into seventh place with a lap of 1.22.676, but as he pushed hard in the closing stages to secure yet another top 10 qualifying result, he crashed heavily at the fast Turn 8 left-hander. Crutchlow was able to walkaway unhurt from the high-speed accident but he fell to 12th on the timesheets, finishing just over 0.2s away from eighth placed Nicky Hayden.

Colin Edwards:

“Honestly, I have no idea where I pulled that last lap from. I didn't feel like I had a low 1.22 lap in me at all today, but I just tried to push as hard as I could and stay as smooth as I could on that final lap, so to get seventh is a great result for me and my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3. Today hasn't been easy because I woke up this morning with a really bad sore throat. It feels like I'm chewing gravel but I've lost my voice and can hardly talk, so communication with the crew wasn't that easy. But we've got such a great understanding that even though they could barely hear what I was saying, my team gave me a good bike for the end of the session. I've never got on with this track and today we've made so many changes to the bike that we're a million miles away from our normal setting. I'd say we haven't done big changes like this to the bike in about a year. I haven't been able to get the bike turned but we kept plugging away and found something this afternoon that was better. This track is so tight and twisty you need a good turning bike, so I'm confident we can have a strong race.”

Cal Crutchlow:

"I am not too happy with today because we had a big crash at the end of the session. I thought we made a good improvement in the qualifying session and we made it into the 22s with an old race tyre and I was happy. I came in to put a new soft tyre on and with the extra grip we just pushed the front too much. We don't really know why at the moment, but we will have a look at the data to see if we can make some improvement for the race. It is the same issue that I have been complaining about at the last two or three races, so we have to start considering making some drastic changes. We will keep working and the aim will be to get in the top 10 for tomorrow and I am determined to bring the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team a good result."

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Edwards and Crutchlow target big improvements at Sachsenring

Edwards was 10th and Crutchlow 14th in cold and blustery conditions this morning, and while they were able to improve their lap times in more favourable conditions in this afternoon's second session, both slipped down the rankings by one position.

The experienced American spent the majority of the opening day working on trying to improve rear grip with his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine, and set a personal best time of 1.23.431 to finish 11th on the combined timesheets. Edwards was less than 0.5s away from the top eight and is confident overnight set-up changes will help him lap at a significantly faster pace tomorrow.

With track temperatures only reaching 21 degrees this morning, British rookie Crutchlow adopted a steady approach to learning the Sachsenring track, which is the second shortest on the MotoGP World Championship calendar at 2.281 miles. He concentrated on improving his confidence with the front-end of his YZR-M1, the former World Supersport champion trying a range of different set-up options to gain more turning performance on the undulating, tight and twisty Sachsenring track.

Crutchlow was able to lap 0.4s faster than his best pace from this morning as the track temperature increased and the strong wind eased slightly. But a small crash with just over 15 minutes remaining prevented him from bettering his time of 1.23.760. The 25-year-old finished in 14th position, though he was less than 0.5s from the top ten, and with more track experience he is aiming for a strong performance in tomorrow's final practice and qualifying sessions.

This weekend's 30-lap race marks the halfway point of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship and comes before a trip across the Atlantic for next weekend's US Grand Prix at the spectacular Laguna Seca circuit.

Colin Edwards:

“I've definitely had easier Friday's than this that's for sure. I don't really know why but I never seem to get on with this track. My relationship with this track didn't exactly get the best start back in 2003 with the barbecue at the bottom of the hill, and since then I've always found it difficult here. I always seem to have to end up turning the bike inside out to get a setting that works. This morning was pretty difficult because I couldn't generate enough heat in the right side of the front tyre, and I guess I just wasn't willing to push that hard and risk crashing. We saw what happened to the likes of Valentino and Dani, and I felt that was going to happen to me with the way the right side of the front felt. But it was cold and windy and definitely not ideal conditions. I used the hard front and rear compound this afternoon for the whole session and we made the bike better. But I still need more rear traction. That's been my biggest struggle. It feels like I'm just skating on top of the tarmac but we've got some ideas to try tomorrow and I know we are going in the right direction to be closer to the front guys.”

Cal Crutchlow:

“It doesn't look good at all on paper, but it is a lot better than it looks and I'm not too concerned. The times are pretty close and I was consistent at the end of the session when I was running a really old rear tyre after the crash. I lost precious time with the crash, which I can't really afford when I'm trying to learn the track. I went slow at the start of the lap and then I saw Stoner in the distance and tried to follow his line, but just ran a bit wide in Turn 9. It is pretty fast and I ran onto the grass but hit the biggest pothole I've ever seen and I couldn't hold on. At least I tested the left shoulder out that I broke at Silverstone and it survived with no issues. This track is really tight and twisty and not that easy to learn, even though it is one of the shortest on the calendar. We worked a lot on improving the front-end feel today, and we are making some progress, but you always want more. Finishing 14th is not our usual position because normally I've been around eighth to sixth, but I know with some more improvements we can move higher up the timesheets.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team press release

Edwards and Crutchlow focused for German round

Experienced American Colin Edwards is looking to consolidate his place inside the top 10 in the overall rankings having scored points in six of the seven races he has started in 2011. Edwards is also determined to leave Europe full of confidence ahead of his crucial home round at the spectacular and challenging Laguna Seca track in California on July 24th. His best result at Sachsenring was fourth position in 2007 and he is confident the improving handling performance from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 this season will be a crucial advantage in dealing with the demands of the 2.281 mile track.

This weekend presents another big challenge for British rookie Cal Crutchlow, who will be making his Sachsenring debut. The 25 year-old is concentrating all his efforts on bouncing back from difficult races in Assen and Mugello recently and is aiming for a welcome return to the top 10. Sachsenring is the shortest track on the World Championship schedule but certainly one of the most challenging, the undulating layout made up of predominantly left-hand corners.

Colin Edwards:

“The last two races haven't been that fantastic but we can point to a bad tyre choice in both for that. We've got to take some responsibility for that but sometimes you roll the dice and gamble but the result doesn't go your way. That's all behind me now and I'm just concentrating 100 per cent on getting a good result in Germany this weekend. This track is pretty special with so many left-hand turns but our chassis is much better than last year, so I'm sure the bike will be easier to ride in the tight and twisty sections. The break after Mugello has really helped my physical condition. I've been able to get some good rest and the muscle damage around the ribs on the right side of my body isn't as painful as it was. I'll only understand how much of an improvement there's been on Friday when I get on the bike, but I'm expecting a lot less discomfort than in Mugello where it was quite tough. Aside from 2003 when I had the fireball at the bottom of the hill, I've really enjoyed my time at Sachsenring. The German fans are really knowledgeable and they love MotoGP, so hopefully we can put on a good show for them. I'll be looking for a good result to take some momentum into my home race at Laguna Seca, which is a huge weekend for me and one I'm already excited about.”

Cal Crutchlow:

"Like a lot of tracks so far in 2011, I haven't seen this one before but it looks really good on TV and I can't wait to get started on Friday. The track is obviously dominated by left-hand turns but I'm not worried that is going to be a big problem for me. The left collarbone I broke at Silverstone last month is fine and I'm happy with the progress it is making. After all the weather disruptions of the last few weeks, I'm just hoping for a dry weekend so I can learn the track quicker. And I'm also hoping for hot conditions because that will give me an opportunity to solve some of the front-end issues I've been experiencing lately. When the temperature is hot I've had some issues with front-end feeling, so hopefully some hot weather will give us the perfect opportunity to find a solution. I'm confident I can be running back inside the top ten and getting the results I know that the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is capable of.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

Cal Crutchlow Talking About Estoril Qualifying

Cal Crutchlow got 8th on the Estoril qualifying yesterday, 1 place better than Valentino Rossi. Starting today on 3rd grid, this British rider talk about his physical condition. Estoril track is the first time for Crutchlow. He didn't want to push to hard.

 "I don’t think I could have gone any faster or put in any extra effort than I did. And if I can keep coming to circuits that I’ve never seen and qualifying inside the top ten, I’m going to be really happy."

"At one point it looked like I might get my first second row but to be in between Colin and Valentino on the grid for my first race here, I’ve got to be really happy. I pretty much lost a session too because I only did a coupe of laps in the wet this morning."

"It wasn’t worth taking any big risks and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to finish last. It is not easy on this track and I’m finding it quite physical. I’m still having some issues with arm pump in my right arm and to compensate I’m using my left arm a lot and that is stressing the shoulder I had an operation on during the winter."

"There’s no real time to relax and when you’re braking from 200mph to 30mph, it is really physically demanding on the arms and shoulders. I’m really looking forward to the race now and hopefully I can reward the team with a good result after all their effort again this weekend. My aim for tomorrow will be to finish in the top ten and get some more experience of the bike under my belt."

source: MCN

Cal Crutchlow Ready and Stronger

Cal Crutchlow motivated himself to get more competitive on MotoGP. So far of this two MotoGP opening races Cal Crutchlow on 9th with 13 points, 1 point lead from Karel Abraham. Crutchlow underwent surgery on his right arm to give stronger threat to others. On the opening two races, Crutchlow tried more to learn the bike.

“I’ll be looking to come on strong in the second half of the year, which I’ve done throughout my whole career. I always start the season gently but last year from Millar onwards I was only about ten points behind the best in the class (World Superbikes)."

"I’m just concentrating on getting the first few races out of the way and getting more time to learn the bike. Look at (Marco) Simoncelli. He was struggling big style in the first half of last year but he came good and look at the way he’s going now.”

“I’ve got a two-year deal so I’m under no real pressure but there are certain places where I will expect to go well. I’ve got a lot of new tracks to learn and there are circuits I have raced at but only once or twice."

"Misano and Assen I’ve only been to twice, so I’ve got a lot to learn and it might take me a bit more time than what it took others. But I’m under no pressure and I’ve got to do my job and come out of the first year ready and strong for 2012.”

source: MCN

2010 MotoGP Review Rider Statistic: Ben Spies

Start	:	17
1st	:	0
2nd	:	1	Indianapolis
3rd	:	1	Silverstone
Poles	:	1	Indianapolis
Points	:	176
Position	:	6
Fastest Lap	:	-

Circuit	QP	Race
QAT	11	5
SPA	8	dnf
FRA	12	dnf
ITA	7	7
GBR	7	3
NED	4	4
CAT	5	6
GER	13	8
USA	5	6
CZE	2	4
INP	1	2
RSM	5	6
ARA	5	5
JPN	6	8
MAL	4	4
AUS	3	5
POR	5	dnf
VAL	6	4