Edwards confirmed at Tech 3

The French outfit had already announced the signing of World Superbike champion Toseland in the summer, while Edwards was widely expected to join him from the works Fiat Yamaha team.

The two riders will take the place of Sylvain Guintoli, who moves to the Alice d'Antin Ducati team, and Makoto Tamada, who is expected to retire from the series.

"I'm honestly really excited about coming to Tech 3," said Edwards. "I think the overall package that Yamaha has put together for next year - four good bikes and four World Champions and four different crews giving Yamaha a whole lot of information means we will be on the pace from the start and it's pretty exciting.

"I've known Herve well and I know that Tech 3 is a very good outfit and I'm also really looking forward to sharing a garage with James. I'm positive that it's going to be a great team."

Toseland added: "I am over the moon about coming to MotoGP. It seems to have been a long time coming to get this opportunity but it has come at the right time and is the opportunity of a lifetime.

"It is a massive transition in my life to make and I am really looking forward to it. I don't know who was happier as my mum was in tears when we got the news!

"I am really thankful to Yamaha and I appreciate the chance they have given me and I want to thank everyone for the opportunity they have given me. I have met Herve on a couple of occasions and he is a genuine nice guy and I truly feel the Tech 3 Team will be a good place to start my MotoGP career so it's nice to be welcomed into the team.

"It will also be good to be working with Colin again as we have had a 10 year separation. He has said some really nice things in the press as to how he will help me. We get on really well together so I think we should make a good team.

"I've been employed to do a serious job so I am not coming in with the mental attitude that there won't be any pressure on me; there will be and I want to do the best job possible and be near the front."

Tech 3 also announced two weeks ago that they would not continue their partnership with the Dunlop tyre manufacturer next year.