Tech3 team talk with Edwards and Poncharal

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 team are geared up for their home GP this weekend, as the French-led team aim high at Le Mans. For Team Manager Hervé Poncharal and rider Colin Edwards the scene of the American’s first podium with the satellite Yamaha set-up holds an added special factor, as Poncharal explained.

“Colin got his first podium for the team here in 2008, so I think this is clearly a track where Colin and Yamaha are doing extremely well,” he said in the attached video feature. “I would love to see Colin winning a race, and of course at home would be even bigger. I think him and the machine have the potential to do it, and I hope we will give him the support necessary to achieve this. This is why we are here and this is our mission, our ambition and our dream.”

Edwards echoed his boss’s sentiments, and stated: “The Yamaha just seems to work well here, it always has. Typically this track is stop and start, and you have to carry a lot of momentum through a couple of the faster corners.”

This year there is a distinctly American flavour to the team with Edwards having been joined by fellow Texan Ben Spies, and the working ambience has been one which has impressed Poncharal.

“The atmosphere in the team is really good and we are really happy at the moment. We have two strong riders and we’re having fun with them on track and off track, so it makes life easier,” said the Frenchman.

There was also time for Edwards to discuss his future plans, and at 36 he is enjoying riding as much as ever. He added: “I still feel motivated and good about it, I had one of my best years last year, and I just want to get on a bike and ride!”

You can watch the full feature with Poncharal and Edwards in the attached video.