Edwards and Spies shine in Malaysia

In searing hot temperatures that peaked at an exhausting 37ºC, Colin Edwards rode his 2010 YZR-M1 machine to the fourth fastest time, the experienced American finishing with a best lap of 2’00.988.

After completing 35 laps, Edwards declared himself delighted with his performance after he made significant progress in improving electronics and handling with his YZR-M1 machine. He was also happy with the performance of a new Bridgestone rear tyre he evaluated on Friday afternoon, finishing just under 0.3s away from a top-three time.

Spies once again proved what a phenomenally fast learner he is after posting a series of consistently competitive lap times on only his second visit to the long and technical Sepang circuit.

A best lap of 2’01.014 was just 0.026s slower than Edwards and the reigning world superbike champion was able to significantly reduce the gap between himself and the best time clocked by Valentino Rossi to just over 0.7s.

Spies was also able to showcase his prowess on worn race tyres when he completed a long distance run, the 25-year-old reeling off consistent and fast laps in the 2’01” bracket.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team concludes its pre-season preparations in Qatar next month ahead of the first race under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit on April 11.

Colin Edwards

“It felt really hot out there today and I don't think anybody was going to do a lot of laps in those conditions. I did 35 laps and all of them were productive and I'm leaving this test really happy. I worked on the electronics and a bit of suspension work today and I was happy with the new Bridgestone rear tyre. We did full race distance on it in the middle of the day when it was really hot and I was still doing 2’02”s on the last lap. So it really keeps a good level of grip for a long time. I feel ready to race right now. We've got the bike sorted out and the last test in Qatar should be another positive test to set us up nicely for the first race. We're ready to go because Yamaha has done a fantastic job. Everything they have done has improved the bike and that's a great achievement. This is a tough track to learn but Ben’s doing a great job and he is impressing a lot of people. We're working really closely together and that is going to be great to help the team have another great year.”

Ben Spies

“It has been a positive test for me again because I have been able to improve my lap time by quite a bit. I'm 0.8s quicker than yesterday so that is a good step in the right direction. I did a race simulation and all my laps were in the 2’01”s. I've always felt good at the end of races and I think that is what my strong point has been in the past. In Valencia when I raced the Yamaha for the first time I came on strong at the end. When the tyres go off I feel a little bit better. I didn't quite get to improve on my overall position but I'm convinced I had the speed to get into the high 2’00”s, but I was only able to use one of the softer Bridgestone tyres. But all in all it has been a positive day and the gap to the front has become smaller again.”

Press release courtesy of Monster Yamaha Tech3