Edwards unhappy about tyre rules

Riders are now limited to 14 front and 17 rear tyres over a race weekend this year, and the tyre types have to be nominated before the event gets underway.

That means that Michelin's previous practice of flying in the best tyres possible for qualifying and the race, based on data obtained during the previous day's running, can no longer take place.

And Edwards thinks that has cost the French tyre manufacturer dearly, especially when it comes to getting the best tyres for the race.

"Our bike with qualifiers on is obviously the best bike in the world," said the Fiat Yamaha rider, who has seen teammate Valentino Rossi take three poles from the first four races but only one win.

"If you look at it (in qualifying terms), we seem to be doing pretty good but when we don't have grip we suffer. I said ask me about the tyre rule after Turkey or China, and it's shit. Really, I don't like it.

"Michelin used to bring out the magic tyres on Saturday afternoon or Sunday in the warm up, and we don't have that advantage anymore. I think it is hurting the Michelin side at the moment."