Toseland-Edwards rift gives "extra motivation"
Will it work for Simon Katich and Michael Clarke in South Africa?The boss of the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP team, Herve Poncharal, reckons a current rift between his two riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland could be a positive outcome.
After Edwards and Toseland struck an instant rapport at the start of last year, the relationship soured after Poncheral agreed to a request from Toseland to work with Edward's former crew chief.
That still continues to anger Edwards, who has made a number of acerbic comments in the media over the last few months. And the relationship between then two riders appears to be terminal, with no olive branches in sight.
But Poncheral couldn't care less, really.
"If it gives extra motivation to James' department and to Colin's department I am absolutely happy," Poncheral said. "We will never see two riders going on holiday together because this is an individual sport.
"They respect each other still, okay they don't talk anymore, but who cares? I wanted to give both of them the best support I could and that is what I have done.
"I can't say too much about what Colin has said because those are his own views, but you always know that the first person a rider wants to beat is his own teammate. James improved a lot last year, we think he has shown last year that he could be a podium contender in his second year with Tech 3, so they will try to beat each other and this is fun."
Edwards has enjoyed a great pre-season, while Toseland has struggled with set-up alongside his new crew chief. Ironic perhaps?
The MotoGP season commences in Qatar on April 12, with a few changes to the 2009 regulations just announced by the Grand Prix Commission:
-- From the Czech GP, a maximum five engines can be used in eight races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance
-- Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brakes disc or pads.
-- Launch control system is not permitted.
-- Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.
The Australian round of MotoGP will be held at Phillip Island on October 18.
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