Ben Spies Replaces Valentino Rossi at Yamaha in 2011

[ahcaibiker]

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/official-ben-spies-replaces-valentino-rossi-at-yamaha-in-2011-23881.html

 

North American rider Ben Spies will replace Valentino Rossi in the Yamaha MotoGP team's lineup for the 2011 season. The official confirmation came earlier today, when Lin Jarvis, head of Yamaha's racing arm, announced that Spies will join current Yamaha works rider Jorge Lorenzo for the upcoming campaign.

 

“We're delighted that Ben will join the factory team for next season. 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,” said Jarvis.

 

 

 

“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. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Herve Poncharal and the Tech 3 team for taking care of Ben this season and for giving him such good training for the years ahead.”

 

The announcement was imminent from the moment Valentino Rossi confirmed his switch to Ducati for the upcoming two seasons. Before Rossi made up his mind, Jarvis told the media that should the Italian choose to leave the team, Yamaha's first target will be Spies.

 

The North American rider made a great impact in his debut season in the MotoGP, after he switched from Yamaha's World Superbike team – with whom he won the title in 2009 – to the Japanese manufacturer's satellite MotoGP squad, Tech 3, last winter. He is currently the highest placed non-works rider in the 2010 season, having already scored a podium finish in Great Britain.

 

“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,” said Spies.

 

“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,” added “Elbowz.”

[hydrop]

Ben Spies is my new idol...

[kawarides]

This Ben is a fighter......looks good

[ahcaibiker]

i like his style! his elbow always pointing out whenever he takes corners!

 

thats why he is nick-named elbowz...