Edwards and Poncharal on 2010 project

Thursday, 1 October 2009

Herve Poncharal and Colin Edwards are delighted to be working together again next year and are both very pleased to be welcoming Ben Spies into the Tech 3 set-up.

When Monster Yamaha Tech 3 announced on Thursday that Colin Edwards will remain with the team for a third season in 2010, with Ben Spies coming into MotoGP to join his fellow American on the satellite Yamaha M1, motogp.com spoke to Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal about his new line-up.

Edwards has agreed a new one-year contract after the putting himself in contention for a top five standings finish this season and Poncharal is more than pleased to be keeping him. Meanwhile, 25 year-old Spies comes in after demonstrating his talents in the U.S. AMA Superbikes championship and WSB, as well as in three MotoGP guest spots last year.

Commenting on the signing of the 2010 contracts, Poncharal stated, “I am very happy. It was a long process of negotiation and of thinking things through, together with Yamaha and the riders, so finally we are proud to announce our 2010 line-up.”

He continued, “I think Ben has had an incredible year this year in his championship, as a rookie. His ultimate goal, like most high level riders was to come to MotoGP, which is the top championship, so we are very proud to have him. It will be an exciting team, both riders from America and I think Colin and Ben know each other quite well.”

“Colin staying with us is great news too,” added the Frenchman. “He has brought so much to the team, the best results we have ever had, like his second position this season in Donington.”

Explaining his decision to remain with Tech 3, Edwards commented, “I’ve got a good team here and Herve Poncharal runs a good ship. I have got along really well with my Crew Chief Guy Coulon and the whole team this year, so we have had some good results and I think we can improve on them even more. We have a new team-mate coming who looks to be fun, with Ben, so it should be interesting. I think we will be strong.”

It has also been announced that departing Tech 3 rider James Toseland will return to the World Superbikes series to continue with Yamaha. Poncharal said of Toseland’s MotoGP efforts, “He has been one of the most determined and dedicated riders ever to work with Tech 3. I have nothing but admiration for James and it has been a privilege working with him. I wish him all the best for the future.”