Colin Edwards confirms he will leave Tech 3 team at end of the season

Image caption, Edwards was third in the British Grand Prix this year

Colin Edwards has confirmed he will leave the Tech 3 Yamaha team to ride for newcomers Forward Racing next year.

The departure of the 37-year-old leaves a space alongside British rider Cal Crutchlow in the Tech 3 garage, with Bradley Smith and Eugene Laverty both linked with the space.

Edwards said: "I've always been a good test rider and I'm happy that this will be my next challenge."

Meanwhile, Jorge Lorenzo was quickest in practice for the San Marino GP.

The reigning champion edged out series leader Casey Stoner, while multiple world champion Valentino Rossi had a torrid day on his Ducati.

He could only post the 11th quickest time and Crutchlow also struggled, finishing 15th.

Lorenzo said: "To be honest I didn't expect so much change because we improved by more than one second. We are now quite close to a victory I think. Casey and Dani [Pedrosa] are still so fast but at least we are there with them."

Misano practice times:

1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spn) Yamaha 1'33.929

2. Casey Stoner (Aus) Repsol Honda 1'34.005

3. Dani Pedrosa (Spn) Repsol Honda 1'34.205

4. Marco Simoncelli (Ita) Gresini Honda 1'34.444

5. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha 1'34.469

6. Andrea Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 1'34.989

7. Alvaro Bautista (Spn) Suzuki 1'35.023

8. Hector Barbera (Spn) Aspar Ducati 1'35.111

9. Hiroshi Aoyama (Jpn) Gresini Honda 1'35.282

10. Colin Edwards (USA) Tech 3 Yamaha 1'35.301

11. Valentino Rossi (Ita) Ducati 1'35.331

15. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Tech 3 Yamaha 1'35.622