Colin Edwards has confirmed for the first time that he's facing a three-way choice between Aprilia, Yamaha and Honda for rides next season – all are in
MotoGP and none are perfect – in fact he's asking for your advice as to what he should ride for next year…
The Texan had been expecting to conclude negotiating with Aprilia and Michelin, as predicted by
Crash.Net last week, stating on his official website
ceracing.com that: "Today (Friday) is the day. If all goes well it will be an Aprilia next year. All we need is the a-ok from Michelin."
However, rather than announcing that the deal was done, an unhappy Edwards was left in limbo after an unspecified hitch. As a result the 2002 World Superbike Champion has outlined his MotoGP offers - and asked his fans what he should do.
Edwards described his options as: "Aprilia if we get Michelins, or my whole (WSBK) team I've worked with for the last 5 years with a (Honda) V5 and Bridgestones. (But) take into consideration the way I've been treated over the last few months (by Honda)…"
"There is still a chance with Yamaha," he revealed. "Of course I would like it to be with Checa, considering Max's team are the same guys I worked with in Superbike '95-'97. But what if the only spot open is with Jacque on the other (Tech 3) team? Both teams are on Michelins."
So what will it be:
Option 1 - Aprilia/Michelin.
Option 2 - Honda/
Bridgestone.
Option 3 - Yamaha/Michelin.
The
Aprilia option would be a risk given the bikes performance this year, but would see him on his preferred Michelin tyres and with a full factory outfit effectively built around him.
The
Honda deal would be on an RC211V, but with unfancied Bridgestones – it would also be a privateer team and unlikely to receive the latest parts and developments available to Rossi et al. Edwards also wants the way the Japanese team chose
Nicky Hayden over him for a works MotoGP ride taken in to account, but he would keep his familiar, and proven, Castrol Honda crew.
