Edwards eyeing Yamaha one-two

Although the American has yet to take a victory in MotoGP, he is confident that he will not only end his drought in 2007 but also put in a consistent challenge for the title.

His confidence is based on the fact that Yamaha's new M1 is not only fast, having dominated pre-season testing, but the bike has eliminated the chatter that marred their campaign last year.

"At the present moment if Valentino and I don't finish one-two in the championship there's a problem," he told this week's MotorCycle News. "I'm more confident with this bike than I've been for a long time.

"I'm feeling good, not over confident but just comfortable with the bike. It's been so long since I've felt like I can do whatever I want with the bike."

Edwards said some of his confidence with the bike came from the new Michelin 16-inch tyre that he got hold of for the first time at the recent Sepang test, with Rossi having used it for the first time in January.

"The front tyre Valentino was using is quite a bit better," continued Edwards. "I'm really happy with it. It seems good for two or three tenths a lap but especially later on in a run.

"At about nine laps the tyre would start to push a little bit. I could do 28 or 29 laps on it in the heat of the afternoon, so shit, that shows how good the new 16-in is."

Rossi is more cautious than Edwards about the potential of Yamaha's new bike, however.

"Colin is very optimistic," he said. "I am happy if he is happy because he is my friend. At this moment I see him in great shape and if we are first and second I am very happy. But I think it is not so easy."