[Acidreign]

LONDON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - American Colin Edwards set a blistering pace on the final day of MotoGP testing in Malaysia on Wednesday, lapping well inside the Sepang circuit pole position record on his Yamaha.

"Overall it's been a really great test," said the Texan in a team statement after he and team mate Valentino Rossi topped the timesheets. "The bike is unbelievable, better than ever even with less power."

Edwards stunned his pit crew with a lap of 2:00.248 on the 800cc Yamaha, compared to Rossi's best of 2:00.793.

Ducati's Italian Loris Capirossi set the official race lap record of 2:02.127 at Sepang last year after Rossi took pole position in 2:00.605.

The top category has been reduced from 990cc to 800 this season.

"It was another really positive day for us, and I am so happy because the bike is feeling great," said Rossi, whose comments were a far cry from last year's troubled pre-season preparations.

"We've been pretty fast all week, quicker than during the January test and the long run today was faster too which is important," added the 27-year-old.

"I am sure that we can still improve in every area and now we have the chance to carry on like this in Qatar next week, where we will also have the first race in a month. Next week will be a very important test."

Rossi lost his MotoGP title last year to Honda's American Nicky Hayden.

The season starts in Qatar on March 10.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, Editing by Clare Fallon, London Sports Desk, Reuters Messaging)

[beefus1000]

Originally Posted by Acidreign

LONDON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - American Colin Edwards set a blistering pace on the final day of MotoGP testing in Malaysia on Wednesday, lapping well inside the Sepang circuit pole position record on his Yamaha.

"Overall it's been a really great test," said the Texan in a team statement after he and team mate Valentino Rossi topped the timesheets. "The bike is unbelievable, better than ever even with less power."

Edwards stunned his pit crew with a lap of 2:00.248 on the 800cc Yamaha, compared to Rossi's best of 2:00.793.

Ducati's Italian Loris Capirossi set the official race lap record of 2:02.127 at Sepang last year after Rossi took pole position in 2:00.605.

The top category has been reduced from 990cc to 800 this season.

"It was another really positive day for us, and I am so happy because the bike is feeling great," said Rossi, whose comments were a far cry from last year's troubled pre-season preparations.

"We've been pretty fast all week, quicker than during the January test and the long run today was faster too which is important," added the 27-year-old.

"I am sure that we can still improve in every area and now we have the chance to carry on like this in Qatar next week, where we will also have the first race in a month. Next week will be a very important test."

Rossi lost his MotoGP title last year to Honda's American Nicky Hayden.

The season starts in Qatar on March 10.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, Editing by Clare Fallon, London Sports Desk, Reuters Messaging)

Edwards always seems to have a good pre-season but flatters to deceive come race day. I hope he does well this year, I want to see him challenging the top guys.....will probably be his final season in MGP.

[The Sook]

yeah, and several reasons for that, this year there's a new tyre rule and surprise surprise, he's up there all of a sudden. GOOOOOOOOOOO COL, he'l win races this year, just wait and see.

[Jungleboy]

Hey Trev!

Ill bet no more than one if he even gets that lucky (Steven Bradbury)