Toseland, Poncharal and Edwards in happier times

James Toseland's team chief has admitted the British MotoGP rider has fallen out with team-mate Colin Edwards - and he says he does not mind it.

At Toseland's request the Tech 3 Yamaha riders swapped pit-lane crews at the end of 2008 but Edwards has been vocal in his criticism of the decision.

"If it gives them extra motivation I am happy," said Herve Poncharal.

"OK they don't talk anymore but who cares? I wanted to give them both the best support - that's what I've done."

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Edwards finished the season in seventh, while after an encouraging start, Toseland's form tailed off and he finished the season in 11th place, before requesting the swap for 2009.

Poncharal spoke to all parties concerned before agreeing to the switch, which upset Edwards.

We will never see two riders going on holiday together because this is an individual sport Herve Poncharal

"James and Garry spent a lot of time together last year travelling to and from England and James likes to talk to his crew chief in between races."

Edwards performed much better at pre-season testing in Sepang, although Toseland's times may have been affected by a heavy crash on the first day.

"I can't say too much about what Colin has said because those are his own views, but you always know that the first person a rider wants to beat is his own team-mate," said Poncharal.

"James improved a lot last year, we think he has shown last year that he could be a podium contender in his second year with Tech 3, so they will try to beat each other and this is fun.

"We will never see two riders going on holiday together because this is an individual sport."

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