Zoom Colin Edwards

After a well-deserved summer break, the Tech 3 Yamaha team had a tough return to MotoGP action today, with Colin Edwards and James Toseland seventh and 13th fastest respectively on the opening day of free practice in Brno.

Under a layer of heavy cloud that greeted the paddock for the start of round 12 of the 2008 series, Edwards and Toseland got their first chance to evaluate the performance of an upgraded Yamaha YZR-M1 engine.

The pair were also able to assess new tarmac at the Czech Republic venue in full dry conditions, with rain forecast for tomorrow.

Edwards and Toseland both declared their delight with the engine upgrade, which features an increased rev ceiling and more horsepower, but other issues prevented them from taking full advantage of the improvements made available by Yamaha.

Edwards ended the day fastest Michelin rider with a creditable time of 1.58.672, confident with further front-end improvements he can mount a challenge for the top six in Sunday's 22-lap race.

“The new engine is awesome although it feels a little bit different than what I've been running. What I had was obviously developed to the maximum and it was real smooth and real linear with the power delivery. The new motor has a bit of a different feel but it is faster. It's a little bit peaky but its not hurting us at all so thanks to Yamaha for rolling that over here to Tech 3. We got some electronics stuff too so that is helping calm things down. It's just a little bit more aggressive on the throttle, which the way I'm having too ride this bike is actually good at the moment”, he explained. “With some of the small issues I have got with the front tyre, the only way I can ride is brake as hard as I can and almost back it in like a Supermoto. And as soon as I get full lean angle I just roll to maximum throttle opening because I can't carry lots of momentum with 250 lines like I need to. I need to get the rear to come round to steer the bike. The rear tyre feels fantastic and I'm really happy with that. I did 15 laps on a rear without any problems and good and consistent grip, but the front tyre that I normally use and that I love, it is good but only for a short distance. I'll sit down with my guys again tonight and talk things through with Michelin to see if we can improve again tomorrow.”