Edwards signs new Tech3 deal

American veteran Colin Edwards has shelved plans to retire from MotoGP, signing a new contract with Tech3 Yamaha for 2009 after an impressive season.

The 34-year-old had said 2008 would be his last season in motorcycling's premier class, and he would then return to race for Yamaha in the United States.

The announcement comes ahead of Edwards's home race at Laguna Seca in California, and means Tech3 will remain unchanged next season, with Edwards partnering Briton James Toseland who has already signed a contract extension.

Edwards fifth in the standings thanks to a run of eight consecutive points finishes, including two podiums at Le Mans and Assen. His streak came to an end when he crashed out in the rain at the Sachsenring last Sunday.

"It is no secret that I had agreed with Yamaha to finish my MotoGP career at the end of 2008 and continue my racing career with them in America," Edwards said.

"But as soon as I began working with the Tech 3 team I instantly formed a great relationship with my guys. A big part of me wanting to stay is down to them, particularly Herve Poncharal and my crew chief Gary Reynders, but it has been a real team effort.

"With the amazing amount of work and dedication shown by Yamaha staff throughout last winter, I knew I wasn't ready to leave MotoGP before the season had even started.

"The fact that I have been able to produce the best form of my MotoGP career this season speaks volumes for the effort and commitment the Tech 3 team has put in."

Team manager Herve Poncharal added: "I am happy that [Colin] has been able to produce the best results of his MotoGP career so far with Tech 3, which is also testament to the hard work and effort Yamaha made in the last few months.

"Although he has only been with us for 10 races, the relationship is so great that it feels like he has been part of the team for many years. He has been a great asset to the team and Yamaha both on and off the track, and he was an incredibly important figure during last winter to develop the bike and Michelin tyres to a highly competitive level."

Source : uk.eurosport.yahoo.com