Wrong direction for Edwards and Toseland

Monster Yamaha Tech3 were ringing the changes in MotoGP qualifying on Saturday, although the results were not entirely satisfactory for either Colin Edwards or James Toseland. They are likely to revert to their original practice settings for the Sunday race.

Colin Edwards -7th

“I was really happy with the bike this morning. I was able to run a fast and consistent pace that only the top three were able to better. But we changed a couple of things on the bike for qualifying and it was the wrong direction unfortunately. Those changes probably cost me a place on the second row. I kept tucking the front and that has never happened before on Bridgestone. I've not had the front move on me once since I first tried Bridgestone back in November. The front tyre is magic but for some reason I wasn't comfortable this afternoon. We'll just revert back to the set-up we had this morning for the race because I had no issues at all really. I'm still confident for the race. It is going to be hot and tyre endurance will be crucial as always. I did nine laps on the hard compound and it was spinning but it always does that. It's just how you manage it from that point and I think the setting we had this morning and yesterday will be fine. I'm determined to put on a good show for Mark Hall from Monster Energy and my guys at Tech 3 who have been working hard to give me a good bike as always.”

James Toseland -14th

“It has been a frustrating day. We have been working a lot on the bike and when we cure one problem we create another. That session was almost like a test than a qualifying session and it is frustrating because I feel like I can definitely run the pace around the top six. I'm just trying to find a compromise between good braking stability and acceleration exiting corners. We seem to improve in one area but then sacrifice something in another area. My pace wasn't too bad on the hard compound race tyre, so if I can get a good start and get away with the pack in front I'm sure I can have a good race and be in there fighting. We'll definitely be working hard tonight to improve for the race. I'll be giving it my all as always and hope to show Mark Hall how strong the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is.”