World SuperBike 2002 - Round 4 - Sugo

Castrol Honda's Colin Edwards took second place in today's second race of round four of the World Superbike championship here at Sugo in Japan after another thrilling 25-lap battle.

Edwards was again third into the first corner after starting from fifth place on the grid. He took second place from Noriyuki Haga on lap 10 before race winner Makoto Tamada made his move for the front of the race, putting Edwards third. With five laps to go he got the better of Neil Hodgson into the first corner and held on for second place.

"I'm amazed at the pace this year, everywhere we go," said Edwards. "Today's races were about 20 seconds faster than last year's and it's the same everywhere we go. It's credit to the series and to the tyre manufacturers.

"In the first race my rear tyre was worn out with about four laps left so when I found myself in third chasing Hodgson I knew I'd have to make my move before that point of the second race. Once I was in second I tried to put one clean lap together and catch Tamada but he was gone, it was hopeless.

"After that I just started thinking about blocking and protecting second place. I'm happy with today and the points I've scored, it's put us in good shape for Monza in three weeks and one of my favourite events."