Second place a boost for Edwards

The Yamaha rider took pole position and led for half of the British Grand Prix, but was passed by Casey Stoner on lap 15. He fell 12 seconds behind the Ducati, but held on to second place - his best result in two seasons, and his second podium of the year.

"It's what we needed," Edwards told the BBC.

"We knew it was there, we just had to get everything right. We got everything working good, so I'm happy to go to Assen with my confidence boosted."

Edwards came within yards of his first victory at Assen last year, only to crash in a final corner dice with Nicky Hayden.

The American had looked comfortable ahead of Stoner in the first part of the Donington race, but admitted he had no answer to the Bridgestone-shod Ducati's pace as the track dried.

"I was out there in front and tried to just hit the rhythm like I did in practice, and pretended nobody was around. I set a pretty good pace," he said.

"I came into the chicane and braked, it was kind of locking, I ran a little bit deep and Casey got by me, and once he got by me I didn't have anything for him. I was just spinning all over the place."