Edwards: Fighting for lead too risky

The American looked set for his first MotoGP victory as he caught leaders Andrea Dovizioso and Randy de Puniet at an extremely rapid rate in the closing stages, but once with the front pack he eased his pace and waited until the last run through the Melbourne loop to take second from de Puniet.

"With about two laps to go I did [think about winning], but that's when I started having lots of moments and thought 'uh-oh, might have to just get what we can get, or get the gravel,'" said Edwards.

His charge through to the podium came despite a very poor start to the race that saw him spend the opening laps in the midfield.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider said this was due to a slightly experimental tyre choice.

"We started the race on a front tyre that I hadn't even used this weekend," Edwards explained. "I didn't know what it was about. Started the race and everybody was going and I thought 'where the hell are you all going?', I was just trying to get a feel for the track.

"So then I was back in 15th or something, sitting there, and then I started working my way up, getting some momentum and starting to understand the front tyre, the feeling and the grip. I started pushing and there was a point where the left side of the rear got cold, and I had some big moments there.

"Then the rain stopped a little bit and it became warm again, then the rain came back, then right there at the end when I came up to Randy the left side of the tyre was so cold it was like ice. I was trying to go down the straight on the left side of the tyre to make a big arc and keep some heat in but it was crazy.

"I don't wish a race like that on anybody. I'm sure Dovi was getting the times and that I was catching him, so congratulations to him on winning his first race."