Spies has been confirmed to ride for the Yamaha MotoGP squad in 2011
2010-08-28 23:45:01 Author: admin Source:
With the MotoGP entourage adjourning on the Indianapolis Speedway for the 2nd U.S. Grand Prix over the weekend, Yamaha MotoGP team has made an announcement that current Tech 3 rider Ben Spies will join the factory squad in 2011 following the departure of 9-time champion Valentino Rossi.
Spies, thus, partners current MotoGP championship leader Jorge Lorenzo to form next season's formidable Yamaha factory team line-up. The American, who won the World Superbike Championship with Yamaha in 2009, is enjoying an impressive first season in MotoGP with the Tech 3 squad. He is currently the leading rookie and the top satellite rider, lying seventh in the championship.
Spies commented, "My first year in MotoGP has been a great learning curve and for that I have to thank Herve Poncharal, all the team at Tech 3 and especially my American mechanics who have stuck by me throughout this great journey so far."
"Having previously been to only four of the ten tracks to date, I have to be pleased with where I am and with having achieved my first podium so soon. I'm especially pleased that Yamaha have recognized the potential in me and given me the opportunity to step up to the Factory Team so early in my GP career. I believe that by working closely with the Yamaha staff and my mechanics we will be able to help develop the M1 and make the next step of challenging for regular podiums, followed by future championships," he added.
Meanwhile, Yamaha MotoGP's team principal Lin Jarvis said, “Ben (Spies) has shown great promise in his first ten MotoGP races. He has learnt rapidly and recorded strong results, including a well-deserved podium finish at Silverstone – impressive for someone in their first full season."
“We believe that Ben will be a future title contender and that he will be a good fit with our team. His mission next year will be to continue learning, consistently challenge for podium places and try to win some races,” he added.
