Tech 3 hails 'superhuman' Edwards

The American had even hoped to race at Catalunya last weekend only a day after surgery on the injury, but was denied permission by the medical officials.

He was cleared to return for Silverstone, and after a tentative practice run, he took a third row spot in qualifying.

"Colin has produced a superhuman effort to qualify on the third row and his courage and determination has been an inspiration to everybody in the whole team," said Poncharal.

"At one stage it looked like he might even finish in the top six, which would have been a great reward for him and his team."

Edwards said that muscle damage around his ribs was actually a bigger issue than the collarbone now.

"My shoulder feels pretty much perfect but my ribs are killing me and that's the biggest issue at the moment," he said.

"I feel worse physically than I did yesterday but when I crashed at Catalunya I pulled some of the muscle away from my ribs and I'm finding it hard to do anything. If I breathe, cough, sneeze or do anything it hurts.

"So on the bike I just don't have the strength I need to flick the bike in the fast changes of direction. I've got to take my time and be nice and smooth, but to get on the third row is a great result considering this time last week I was lying in a hospital in Barcelona with my right collarbone smashed to pieces."

He admitted the race would be a tough experience.

"I'm feeling confident for the race but I know it is going to be a big effort," Edwards said. "But I'll grit my teeth and do my best as always and show there's plenty of fight in this old dog.

"I was determined to ride this weekend for the team. My guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 are awesome and they've been an unbelievable support to me in the past few years. So I want to race and get a good result for them more than anything."