Edwards set the second fastest time in this afternoon's Superpole final qualifying competition, just 0.09s behind polesetter Neil Hodgson.

Texan Edwards commented: "I got my best lap of the weekend in Superpole but it just wasn't enough to topple Neil. I thought a 1m 26.5s lap would be good enough but I didn't bank on Neil getting one too!"

Edwards continued: "I can't say enough about the effort being made to win the championship. Honda have done their job with the new motor, Michelin are constantly giving us new, improved tyres and the new oil from Castrol has carried on from our success with it at the Suzuka 8 hours."

SP-2 rider Edwards is chasing a 39-point deficit to championship leader Troy Bayliss and believes tomorrow's races could help him close that gap. Edwards goes into tomorrow's races having won the last three races, one at Laguna Seca, USA and a double victory at Brands Hatch five weeks ago.

"We've got a good race set-up," added the 28-year-old. "If I can get a good start in both races I'll be looking for a double here then move onto Assen next week and keep the pressure on."