Edwards crashes in first qualifier.

After the disappointment in Australia, Stuart Edwards (250cc) went to Malaysia with changes to be made and would be using the free practice session to find a set-up for the qualifying in the afternoon.

The main changes were made to the carburettor's, choosing the stock Mikuni or the kit Keihin to try and improve the throttle connection. The rain had stopped and the track was completely dry, but with this being Stuart's first visit to Sepang, he had to learn the circuit as well.

The session went well as the team made the changes planned and by the end were confident that they were not too far away from a good setting. The lap time was not too impressive but Stuart was happy and ready for the qualifying session.

However a disappointing session followed, which is becoming far to regular. Stuart posted his best lap on the 3rd lap, which is very unusual and he then had a accident with 6 minutes remaining.

After this morning's free practice session the team had hoped they were close to a good setting. The engine was responding well but was still lacking overall performance. With the heat now pushing 34oC with 46% humidity, making short trips out onto the circuit was the key to keep Stuart refreshed and not take in too much heat this first day.

But the times were worse and then after making a carburettor change and completing his out lap, Stuart fell from his machine at a slow 1st gear hairpin trying that bit extra and going over the limit losing the front end and sliding off. It was not what the team needed and they will have to use the time tonight wisely to find a solution and improve the performance for tomorrow.

"Another bad session and a crash. I was just pushing way too hard and down I went." Said Stuart. "The performance of the engine is worse than ever with top speed being 9km down on the other Yamaha's. This is just too much and we need to find a cure tonight. The bike is pulling cleanly but with no power.