But his US GP results since have been nowhere near that level, including a nightmare 14th in last year's race, when all the Michelin riders struggled with their tyre allocation - something that won't be a factor in this year's all-Bridgestone event.
“I've got some good memories here from Superbike, but '05 was definitely our best year in grand prix and then it… got worse, somehow,” he smiled. “But I'm here on Bridgestone's now and looking forward to it.”
Edwards also revealed a secret plan for success: “This week I've handed out some guns, and I've got some marines ready to take out some tyres and engines,” he joked.
As well as Edwards, Toseland and factory Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo also have contracts which expire at the end of this season. Rossi is signed until the end of 2010 and has suggested he could continue beyond that date.
