MotoGP – Preview Laguna Seca – Colin Edwards: “I want to win”

In addition to having raced there in the early years of his career in the AMA 250cc and Superbike categories, Team Gauloises Yamaha rider Colin Edwards raced at Laguna Seca 14 times in the eight years he spent in the Superbike World Championship; in his last outing on this circuit in 2002, before moving to MotoGP, he even won. The Texan now hopes to repeat that performance in the top category of motorcycle racing and seeks his first GP victory on his YZR-M1.

“Everyone I know is coming to watch this race and I want to win, that's the only thing on my mind right now,” said the 31-year-old. “If there is anyone else who wants to win he must first beat me on my own pitch”.

Edwards hopes to have the advantage of racing at home and is convinced that anyone who has not already raced on the Laguna Seca track will struggle to eliminate the differences – even if they can count on the additional hour of free practice on Friday. “I intend to make an official protest about the additional hour of free practice!” he jokes. “In reality, I'm not afraid of losing the advantage I have because it took me three or four years to learn this circuit well and now I know every little corner of it. The most difficult parts of the track are the corkscrew at turn six, a small jump at the end of the straight parallel to the starting one and the first turn.

“There are some particular trajectories that I have no intention of revealing until the end! It takes experience; you don't learn them overnight. I think it will be difficult for most of the drivers, while those who have raced there in past years will definitely have an advantage. It's a special track and I can't wait to race because I feel very strong.

“I think the Yamahas will do well on this track. The last time I rode there I was on a Superbike and I think that in some areas it will be very difficult to ride a MotoGP there. It's not a track where earth-shattering power is needed – all the bikes on the grid will have more than enough on this track, so power won't be a key issue. The most important thing is to find the right setup. If you find the right suspension settings and, therefore, the right balance you can do very well.”

The former Superbike World Champion is also hoping for a party atmosphere given Yamaha's 50th birthday celebrations which, according to Edwards, could not take place in a better place than Laguna Seca.

“It's going to be a fantastic weekend,” he promises. “The atmosphere is incredible and there are always lots of celebrities who come to watch the race. It's going to be a great show and I'm counting down the minutes! Laguna is a bit like the Hollywood of motorcycling. There are always nice people, great food, a wonderful atmosphere….it's an incredible place. It's a perfect place for racing, especially MotoGP. It's been a long time since we've raced and I'm very excited.”

Yamaha racing