Poncharal 'amazed' by Edwards podium

But the Frenchman also admitted that there was an element of regret that the American once again just missed out on an elusive first victory.

"Both of them were amazing, very happy to see Colin on the podium but it was also a very strong race from James [Toseland]," Poncharal told the BBC. "Colin is one of the oldest guys on the grid and it shows that you don't only have to be young to be fast.

"We still have a bit of regret because when you see how close we were to [Andrea] Dovizioso you think maybe with a little bit more... But that's racing, we're happy.

"It's a good result for both riders and we can go on holiday with a light feeling."

Toseland finished sixth after missing out in a late-race battle with a recovering Valentino Rossi, who had a low-speed fall while leading earlier in the race.

Both were aided by a number of their rivals pitting for wet tyres as rain began to fall heavier late on. Poncharal said that his riders' decision to stay out on slicks paid off however.

"For sure it was the right decision not to pit for the rain tyres," said Poncharal. "They have been always faster on slicks even when there was a lot of rain.

"I think we showed good potential and we worked well as a time. These riders are not always having great results, but I think we are real team and in conditions like this we showed that this important."