Poncharal praises Edwards and Toseland

After a first podium of the year for Colin Edwards and another sixth place for James Toseland in his home GP – equaling his best previous 2009 result at Assen – the ever enthusiastic Herve Poncharal was in a highly positive frame of mind when he reflected on the Donington performances of his staff.

“Colin deserves this result. He works hard and he has brought so much to Yamaha, to Bridgestone, to the team. He loves England, he loves Donington, it is always a track where he has done well. We are so happy to leave here with a second position,” enthused the Frenchman after Edwards rode brilliantly in such tricky conditions.

Poncharal also acknowledged Toseland’s solid effort in front of his home fans, which came as a big relief after last year’s heartache and a hitherto frustrating ’09 campaign. “I would like to say to James that he did a really hard race. He was fighting and I’m pleased for him too. It was good to see the whole crowd cheering him and it was a strong team result for us.”

Regarding the futures of his two riders in MotoGP Poncharal also tellingly remarked, “Jorge Lorenzo is the big man at the moment and until he makes his decision on what he wants to do next year the negotiations throughout the paddock are on hold. At the moment we are happy with our two riders, we are a bit further than midseason but we don’t want to make any quick decision. We want to wait. If Colin and James can produce another three or four races like this, why change them? But we are closely linked to Yamaha in Japan and if Jorge is staying or not staying we have to consider every option.”