"I believe I still have a lot to offer MotoGP, and I can assure the staff and management at Tech 3 and Yamaha that I will be giving it my all to produce the results all of us deserve, starting this weekend at Laguna Seca," Colin concluded.

Edwards has taken six top-six finishes so far this year and is currently the leading satellite rider in the world championship, holding fifth position.

"It is a great pleasure to be able to announce that Colin has renewed his contract with the Tech 3 team for 2009. It has been a privilege to work with him and I am delighted that he has decided to stay for at least one more season," added Poncharal. "Tech 3 has been back on the podium and back in pole position for the first time in a long time in 2008 and that is thanks to Colin.

"I am happy that he has been able to produce the best results of his MotoGP career so far with Tech 3, which is also testament to the hard work and effort Yamaha made in the last few months. Although he has only been with us for ten races, the relationship is so great that it feels like he has been part of the team for many years. He has been a great asset to the team and Yamaha both on and off the track, and he was an incredibly important figure during last winter to develop the bike and Michelin tyres to a highly competitive level.

"With his unique personality, Colin has brought a great atmosphere to the garage, and together with James, we are proud to have two such dedicated riders. To have both Colin and James signed already, and a two-year deal in place with Yamaha until the end of 2010, the future has never looked brighter for Tech 3."

Edwards won his second World Superbike championship for Honda in 2002 before signing to ride for Aprilia in MotoGP the following season. A switch to Honda Gresini for 2004 saw the Texan score his first podium finishes and he became Rossi's factory Yamaha team-mate from 2005-2007.

Still to win a MotoGP race, the 34-year-old has finished in second place on four occasions, with his best championship position to date fourth place in 2005.

"We are very happy to have been able to secure Colin as a Yamaha rider for 2009," said Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis. "We have been working to improve the quality of the total Yamaha package in the MotoGP class and in 2008 we have achieved the best combined results to date for many a year.

"This comes down to the fact that we currently have with the Yamaha Factory Team and the Tech 3 Yamaha Team two excellent teams, with first class technical partners, a great bike and four top class riders.

"Colin's contribution to the improvement of results of the Tech 3 Team has been very important for the team and for the total Yamaha results. Colin has also played a very important role in the pre-season bike development for 2008 and we are very happy to have retained his skills and experience for the 2009 campaign. I hope Colin can celebrate this new contract this weekend with a top result here in front of his home fans in Laguna Seca!"