Yamaha looking to make Tech 3 stronger

Amid rumours that the Tech 3 outfit could hire Colin Edwards and switch to Michelin rubber in 2008, Brivio has admitted that Yamaha are looking at ways to make all of its MotoGP bikes more competitive - both through different technical options and with riders.

"Obviously there's a lot of movements going on, and we too are thinking about an optimal riders line-up," said Brivio on Italia1. "But we are also thinking more in general, not just about the works team, but also about the full Yamaha family which we would like to improve.

"Next year we would like to bring every Yamaha rider closer to the top of the championship table, so we are thinking globally: the works team and Poncharal's Tech 3 team. The objective is to have a more competitive package as far as riders are concerned, and also more competitive from a technical side."

When asked whether that meant Tech 3 ending their relationship with Dunlop and moving to Michelin, Brivio said: "I can't say that. But, that could be an idea."

The works Fiat Yamaha team have yet to confirm who will be Valentino Rossi's teammate in 2008, with Chris Vermeulen and 250cc champion Jorge Lorenzo linked with the ride.

Brivio did not shed any more light on the situation, but did appear to rule out speculation that Lorenzo could set up a one-bike Yamaha team funded by his own sponsors.

"I can't say anything official, and lots has been said. Something we'd like to stay with is to keep having just four riders rather than five because that's very expensive and Yamaha would have difficulties.

"In this phase many solutions are considered: we do a list of riders, first we think of keeping four, then we think of having five, then we think back again.

"Since we are seeing a bit of a generation change, with some older riders slowly leaving the series, the manufacturers are trying to secure the potential riders of the future."