Spies confirmed on Factory Yamaha for 2011

As expected, Ben Spies has been confirmed as Yamah’a second factory rider in the 2011 MotoGP series.

Spies for Factory Yamaha MotoGP Team

On the eve of the second US MotoGP round, in Indianapolis, Yamaha have confirmed the expected. Texan Ben Spies will join Jorge Lorenzo as the second Yamaha MotoGP factory team rider. Interestingly, Yamaha have referred to the team as “The Factory” team, not the “Fiat Yamaha” team. Spies is currently the leading MotoGP rookie and the top satellite rider, lying seventh in the championship.

“We’re delighted that Ben will join the Factory Team for next season,” said Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. “Ben 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.”

Spies added: “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 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.”