richardlpalmer

Edwards wins BMW M Award as Rossi crashes
News, 05/03/06

On a soaking wet track, Camel Yamaha’s Colin Edwards was the winner of this year’s BMW M Award at the MotoGP Official Test.

The American rider joins teammate Valentino Rossi and Spaniard Sete Gibernau in the list of winners of the prize, having racked up his fastest lap towards the end of the 40 minute session.

After an early fast lap from Briton James Ellison, John Hopkins and Valentino Rossi traded the top spot with the wet track keeping times far off those of previous days. Rossi then took charge, continually improving his times, until a series of crashes left both riders out of the running within a minute of each other. With ten minutes left, the car was still up for grabs, and it would be the Italian’s teammate Edwards who would drive it home. The American put in a lap of 1’57.102 with little time remaining at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Upon being presented with the keys to his new car, a clearly delighted Edwards commented on the weather, describing it as “awful”, and believes that this is the start of great things for the season.

“I think this is the kickstart I need for the season. It’s my first time riding the same bike in two consecutive seasons, we’ve been going well and hope to have a good year” said the Yamaha rider, who is still to earn a pole position in MotoGP. Holding up the keys, he added "all the hard work seems to be paying off"

Kenny Roberts Jr came out all guns blazing in his quest for the BMW Z4 M Roadster, but after lapping at 2’00.225 he also took a slide down the Montmeló asphalt.

Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden took to the track late, with the American making a late surge for the prize with a 1´58.921 lap.

The surprise of the weekend, Carlos Checa was the only other rider to fall during the session, without the chance to challenge for the prize, leaving Edwards as the owner of a brand new car for his collection.