Forward NGM MotoGP team boss Giovanni Cuzari has reacted to reports in Italian media that he has sacked Colin Edwards, saying that it is absolutely not the case and that the Texan will remain in the squad if he so wishes.

Edwards is struggling to with the new Yamaha Open class package and rumour had it that Cuzari sponsors wanted two riders at the front of the pack, not one in the top ten and one in the bottom five, but Cuzari said this is not true.

“"I tell that the next race, starting on Monday, I would like to speak to my rider Colin Edwards, that has a deal with me to the end fo the season, and I will 100 per cent respect my deal. But, if he's uncomfortable to stay like this, he's able to do what he wants, nothing else,” said Cuzari, speaking at Jerez.

"For me, I love Colin Edwards, I build a lot of things with Colin Edwards. For me, he can stay to the end of the season, I'm only happy. But, if he's a little bit frustrated to stay like this, because one is on top and the other one is not in the first ten but in the last five position, for me I'm able to respect his decision. That's it.

“After the race I will speak with my rider, and say, 'listen, what do you want to do? Do you want to wait for the new chassis or something like that, or would you prefer to make something different? For me, I am open for discussion, because I know that Colin is open to discussion as well. Nothing else.

“The Italian journalists every time they speak a little bit too much. They interpret a bit too much. But we are a serious team, we have a serious deal with Colin. Colin is my rider since three years, more than 100 per cent our rider. Colin is a two-time world champion, he is a hero for me, I'm not happy to see my hero like this.

“For me it is impossible for Colin to stop after Jerez. He has to test the new chassis. It will be ready as soon as possible, in maximum two or three races. We have a schedule, we make schedule with Yamaha.”