Edwards' Yamaha M1 wears the Statue of Liberty and the stripes. image by yamaha

This just in from Yamaha:

Colin Edwards to race in special Yamaha livery at Laguna Seca

Colin Edwards will celebrate the signing of a new contract with Yamaha by proudly racing with a special livery in today's 32-lap American MotoGP race.

His Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine will feature a special design dedicated to all of his American fans and his family and friends in Texas and at Yamaha US.

The one-off paint scheme will feature the traditional Stars and Stripes of the American flag and New York's Statue of Liberty, a globally recognised symbol of freedom.

The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.

Edwards chose the theme in honour of his relationship with his French-based Tech 3 Yamaha team, who he will ride for again in 2009 after signing a new contract on the eve of his home race.