Yamaha have announced that American rider Ben Spies will replace Valentino Rossi in their factory MotoGP team next season.
American to ride for Yamaha factory team next year
Yamaha have announced that American rider Ben Spies will replace Ducati-bound Valentino Rossi in their factory MotoGP team next season.
Spies, who won the World Superbike Championship with the Japanese manufacturer last year, is currently riding for the Yamaha Tech 3 outfit this season.
The 26-year-old has impressed during his maiden season in MotoGP, with the highlight of his campaign so far being a third place in the British round of the championship at Silverstone.
"We're delighted that Ben will join the Factory Team for next season," Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis said.
"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."
Contender
He added: "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, who has been tipped for the ride ever since Rossi announced he will depart for Ducati, will partner current championship leader Jorge Lorenzo at Fiat Yamaha next year if the Spaniard re-signs.
"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," Spies said in a statement.
"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 recognised the potential in me and given me the opportunity to step up to the factory team so early in my GP career."
