08.11.09 | Jubilant Edwards claims fantastic fifth overall
Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Colin Edwards produced a stunning final race in Valencia today to clinch a dramatic fifth place in the final 2009 MotoGP world championship standings.
Starting from fifth on the grid in front of 94,177 vocal Spanish fans, all eyes were on the Texan and his fight for fifth in the points-standings with Andrea Dovizioso.
In sunny but blustery conditions, the Texas Tornado held fifth place until lap seven when he passed Toni Elias to move into fourth. At the time, Dovizioso was back in 11th.
Edwards maintained an impressive pace to sit comfortably in fourth position and remain on course for fifth overall. But Dovizoso then produced a dazzling charge through the field to move into seventh position on lap 16.
That meant fifth place would go to Dovizioso with no further position changes. But there was one final dramatic twist in arguably Edwards' best ever MotoGP campaign, thanks to new Monster Yamaha Yamaha Tech 3 rider Ben Spies.
The Texan's brilliant Yamaha debut ended with him passing Dovizioso on lap 25, a move that secured Edwards his hard earned but thoroughly deserved fifth place in the final points tally.
British rider James Toseland produced a gallant ride in his final appearance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team that saw him in contention for a top ten finish throughout the 30-lap encounter.
A stunning start and skilled overtaking on the first lap saw him climb into 11th position and he was locked in a thrilling dice with Spies, Dovizioso, Mika Kallio, Alex de Angelis and Marco Melandri in the first half of the race.
But a small rear tyre issue prevented Toseland from maintaining his fast and consistent pace and he slipped back to finish 12th.
Colin Edwards 4th 161pts
Things really fell my way today but over the course of the season I feel like I really deserve fifth place in the championship. At best I was thinking I could finish fifth in the race but then I saw Casey wasn't on the grid and immediately I thought well, there's some more points up for grabs.' I got a great start and the bike was working awesome but those three out front were untouchable. I don't know how they do it, what they've got or what they eat for breakfast, but I couldn't run their pace. In the middle of the race I couldn't carry the corner speed I wanted to so I tried to smooth myself out and just rode out of my skin. I was doing the best I could but wasn't sure where Dovizioso was. It turns out Ben got by him and that point proved crucial. I gave him a big hug after the race and anything he wants me to buy him, he can have it. I'm glad he adapted so quickly to the Yamaha because him riding so well is what got me that fifth overall and I'm really looking forward to working with him. To finish fifth in the championship is a great feeling when you look at the talent in front of me. I was consistent all season and feel like I rode some of my best races to get this final position. I'm happy for myself and for my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3. We are a really close unit and they always give me 100 per cent, so hopefully they can take a lot of satisfaction out of this result as well. I wish James all the best for the future too and am convinced he can carry on Yamaha's success in World Superbikes.
James Toseland 12th 92 points
I really enjoyed my last race. I wanted to give my team everything I had and I'm proud to say I did that. I had a good first few laps and took a few risks with not a lot of temperature in the tyres and got myself into a good position. But unfortunately on about lap 15 the rear tyre turned on the rim and I wasn't able to keep the pace and stay in the bunch that were battling for seventh place. I'd like to congratulate Colin for fifth in the championship because he has done a brilliant job. I'd like to thank everybody working with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team for all the effort and support they have given me. I've had an absolutely fantastic time with them and I'll take a lot of interest in how they perform in the future. I've made a lot of friends in MotoGP and at Tech 3 and the team will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I've got to look to the future and I do so relishing a new challenge with Yamaha.
Herve Poncharal Team Manager
I can't congratulate Colin enough for the amazing job he has done this season. To finish behind those four guys is an incredible feat and one that gives the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team a lot of pride to have been involved in helping achieving fifth position in the championship for him. He has been consistent all year long and hardly ever outside the top six, and I would say this has been his best ever season. I'm so happy he is still with us next year because he brings so much to the team. Not just in terms of his results but his personality has been a great asset to the team, Yamaha and MotoGP. The sport needs more people like Colin and I can't wait for next season when we have the full Texan team. I am really excited about the prospect of working with Ben. What he did this weekend was amazing. By passing Dovizioso as well he did a great favour to Colin and a great job for our team. I also want pass on my heartfelt thanks to James for all his hard work since he joined us at the end of 2007. We've had some up and downs but he brought a lot to the team. He is a true gentleman and he has been one of the hardest working and highly motivated riders ever to be at Tech 3. He has plenty to proud of in MotoGP. He is staying in the Yamaha family and I would like to wish him all the best in 2010. I'm sure he will keep Yamaha on top in World Superbikes.
Fan's comments
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AL
We are coming to see you play on the 7th of Feb, looking forward to a great evening. Good luck this year.
nigel42
Hi James,just to let you know you still have a lot of fans out there and im one of them sad to see you go from MotoGP but its their loss your a good roll model for the young racers..Good luck in WSB 2010 i'll be watching you all the way to the NO' 1 spot ...go for it JT..
Trishbiker
Hi James. As others have said - 'MotoGP's loss'... No-one could have tried harder, but if the bike's not right, you don't stand a chance. You're a fantastic, courageous racer and we are so looking forward to WSB next year - what a treat for all of us in the UK! You're a wonderful role model - a real gent and a credit to this country. You were so kind when I bumped into you at Birmingham airport in February, even though you'd just had that huge highsider in Sepang and must have felt like s**t! The best of luck for 2010 - we're behind you all the way.
Trish and Ray (Oxfordshire)
gary7206
sad to see you out of moto gp but moto gps loss is wsbks gain, spies will hammer edwards next season and they will finally see the error of their ways, and dump the guy, unlucky again mate and best of luck for next season
Liesbeth
Dear James,
You have done great job with your talent in the motoGP. Unfortunately not good enough for everyone though. I know for sure you'll gonna make it in the Superbike again! I want to wish you a good rest and a good looking forward for next season. All the best with the tests. I'll support you, where ever you are racing :-). With love, Liesbeth from the Netherlands.
bikerjude
What is happening - no more news! Still no results of the test which was reported in MCN.
Surely it's time he got someone else to do the website for him!
kaz666
We will support you where ever you are James! So how about the TT?
StephH
you did the U.K proud on MotoGP, Good luck for World Superbikes. You will Win!!!
bowie
James,Head held high mate, you've done us proud! Don't think you had anough time though, how many races has Edwards won in GP?!! Don't blame you for not taking the Pramac ride just to stay in the series you need to get back to winning ways and I'm sure you'll do that on a championship winning bike. From a fans spectacle WSB is far the better class anyway, wish I had a pound for every GP race I've fast forwarded on Sky+ this season. Good luck next year mate, put us back on the map with another WSB title. As for moto gp.....their loss I say!!
K&D
Well done James you gave it your all cant ask for any more than that. I saw you had one of the slowest bikes on the grid so more than proud of you. Really really cant wait to see you back in WSB!!!! Shame Brands is not on the calender would have loved to see you back round there.Well proud of you will always be a big fan and I agree - best rider by far in years!!!!! Go get Foggy's record on 3 different machines!!!! Dan
JAN WITHERINGTON
Congratulations James, you did us Brits proud with your determination and dignity. Great role model for my girls (they ride horses) whenever they want to throw the towel in because they've fallen off at another competition I use you as an example of someone who never quits no matter what! Looking forward to watching you in WSBK next year - much more exciting. You are the best rider we've produced in this country for a long time. Keep it up and hopefully we'll see you as world champ again in 2010!
Jan
pidge1
Well done in the race yesterday considering the problems you had and the cool track temperature. I just wanted to say that I am really looking forward to you being back in the WSBK series as it has definately been missing you since you have been gone. It probably seems like a step back for you, as of course MotoGP is where any rider wants to be, but lets face it, it's not the best for us fans to watch as it is very much formation racing. WSBK's is exciting, fast and everyone has a chance of winning no matter what package they are on and you are now going to be part of that and that is something you should feel very proud of and at the end of the day it's your hard work that has got you there! I really felt for you yesterday as understandable you were very upset but you handled yourself well, as you always do. Looking forward to next season already and roll on Feb 2010. Good luck James, I really mean that and don't forget that you are the best Brit rider we have had in a long time, we are all proud of you and we will continue to support you, no matter what!! Pidge1 x.
Faye
James - simple, looks like I am moving to Superbikes now!! We won't leave you xx Love ya and you were a real Gentleman when you spoke to Suzi yesterday, really dignified. xx
racingredalfa
Well done JT, you gave it your all. Things didn't work out this time, but maybe in the future you will get another shot at MotoGP. Fantastic news that the former world champion id back with WSB. Can't wait and it's gonna be a barnstomer of a season
Paula
Next year will be an exciting one for us fans and for you James.To get back into what you do best,standing on that podium and making your fans proud.I know the past two years have been a struggle but don't let that stop your determination get the better of you!! Understand that your supporters are everywhere,I'll be looking out for the new gear to wear to show my devotion to you as our British rider in WSB!!!!!!!!!!!!!xxx
kazamac
Your a total professional James, always looking for the positive you are a credit to your sport and a fantastic role model ( I just passed my CBT ha ha) and wish you all the very best for see you on friday in peterborough rock on hugs k