Edwards happy with improvements

The American today qualified in second place just behind teammate Valentino Rossi, while he couldn't do better than 15th place in yesterday's second practice.

"It's been a good start, and I think this was the unknown track," said Edwards while referring to the Istanbul Park circuit, where this year's bikes hadn't yet tested.

"Everybody was a bit curious to arrive here and see what happens with the 800ccs, I think Michelin as well.

"Yesterday was a little bit strange for me. It started off perfect, with a bit of a strange track, then yesterday afternoon was an absolute disaster. Basically we've worked step by step to find a better setting.

"My setting and Valentino's settings were a bit different in Jerez, so we've worked a bit towards Valentino's style, and I was pretty happy he tried that front tyre first today.

"It worked out pretty good for him. We were struggling a little bit in that area but we've got something that works really good now, really comfortable for the race."

Edwards summed up this afternoon's job quite succinctly: "As far as qualifying, it was normal qualifying: go out there, hang your balls on the chopping block, and see what happens."

Asked about the difficulties with Turn 11, Edwards replied: "The fast right-hander? It's scary as hell, to be honest with you.

"I lost the front there a couple of times this weekend, and it's not nice. It's when you've gotta come in, disrobe, change your underwear and go back out.

"I had a couple of moments there. This front tyre that Michelin brought, it's a particular tyre that I don't really like, but it works really good here, so it works a lot better through there."

Yamaha this weekend brought an enhanced engine that was only fitted on Rossi's M1 bike.

"Yeah, I'm gonna kick his ass with the same engine," joked Edwards when asked if he could beat his teammate if they had the same power unit.

"Look at his record: he's a seven-time world champion, isn't he? I'd like to say yes, but anyways, it would still be a big fight.

"We're where we are, and our team works in this way. Of course I'd like to have everything he has, but I will. You know, sooner or later I'll get it. Usually it's one race or two races, and then we move on. I don't hold any grudges, this is how it is."