Edwards robbed of podium on last lap

Colin Edwards came within one lap of claiming his first MotoGP podium since 2009 during Sunday's eventful Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

But as Edwards turned into turn one for the final time his M1 died after what the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team ironically called 'a minor technical issue', forcing the stunned Texan to walk away from third place.

Edwards had been as low as tenth early in the race, but kept his head as others crashed on the worn Bridgestone wets and passed struggling factory Ducati rider Nicky Hayden for third place with three laps to go.

"That's pretty tough to take because getting a podium in MotoGP is not something you get chance to get every week," said Edwards, who would have taken his twelfth podium in the premier-class.

"The race was unbelievable because it was all about who could keep it on two wheels the longest.

"I was quite a way back at one stage but just didn't want to do anything stupid and crash and I just felt more and more confident to push. Nicky came back to me really quickly and I knew I'd have no problem passing him because he was in trouble with his tyres.

"I didn't have a lot more grip but I pulled away from him and the podium was right in front of me.

"The bike didn't feel great coming out of the last corner to start the last lap and by the time I got to the first corner it just stopped.

"Obviously I'm disappointed but I can't change what happened. I wanted that podium for my guys at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 because they are awesome. But we move on and try to bounce back at Estoril."

Dejected team manager Herve Poncharal said it felt even worse to know that Edwards was in no way to blame.

"I am really upset and sorry for what happened to Colin," said Poncharal. "He was one of the fastest guys out there and once Ben [Spies] crashed he got third and he was easily quicker than Nicky.

"Unfortunately a technical problem didn't allow him to finish the race. This is really a pity as I think it would have been a very strong result for the team. Colin did not deserve that as he rode a really strong race, but that's racing. But I feel a bit bitter about how he was denied through no fault of his own."

Edwards' rookie team-mate Cal Crutchlow also lost a podium chance, the Englishman crashing while in fifth place - ahead of Edwards - on lap 19 of 27. Crutchlow rejoined to finish eighth.