Reigning champion Troy Bayliss looked certain to claim back-to-back titles after dominating the first half of the season - winning 14 of the opening 17 races.

But Edwards, champion in 2000, has fought back in spectacular style, stringing together a record-breaking run of seven straight wins.

Having trailed Bayliss by 58 points at one stage, the American now holds a one-point advantage over his Australian rival going into this month's final round at Imola.

"I don't think anyone can believe what's happened in this year's championship," Edwards said.

"I suppose it was looking like Troy would walk the championship after he won six in a row at the start of the season.

"It was never easy for me and the team in some of those early races. I'd get a lead in a race and just wait for Troy to come by then have no reply.

"But since the second race at Laguna Seca in July we've moved up a gear and now we're in a position I think we deserve."

Edwards led from start to finish in both races in Assen last weekend - and a dramatic exit from Bayliss in the second wiped out the Australian's 29-point advantage.

With tests at the Italian track scheduled for next week, Edwards is upbeat about his prospects of maintaining his remarkable run of victories.

"It's great that we can get the test time at Imola," he said. "Since we raced there last year there's a lot changed on the machine.

"The statistics confirm how determined we've been this year to cling on to hopes of winning the title. I now want to keep the momentum going with two wins at Imola."