As expected, Colin Edwards has signed to ride alongside James Toseland in the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP squad for 2009.

The Texan, now in his fourth year in the top flight, had said he would quit the blue riband class at the end of this season, but Edwards is having a successful season, so has decided to carry on.

"It is no secret that I had agreed with Yamaha to finish my MotoGP career at the end of 2008 and continue my racing career with them in America. But as soon as I began working with the Tech 3 team I instantly formed a great relationship with my guys," said Edwards

"A big part of me wanting to stay is down to them, particularly Herve Poncharal and my crew chief Gary Reynders, but it has been a real team effort. With the amazing amount of work and dedication shown by Yamaha staff throughout last winter, I knew I wasn’t ready to leave MotoGP before the season had even started. The fact that I have been able to produce the best form of my MotoGP career this season speaks volumes for the effort and commitment the Tech 3 team has put in.

"I believe I still have a lot to offer MotoGP, and I can assure the staff and management at Tech 3 and Yamaha that I will be giving it my all to produce the results all of us deserve, starting this weekend at Laguna Seca.”