Ben Spies Joins Factory Yamaha for 2011 [motorcycle-usa.com]

[UFO]

In a "we didn't see that coming" press release...

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is delighted to announce that current Yamaha Tech 3 rider Ben Spies will move to the Factory Team for the 2011 MotoGP season.

The 26-year-old American, who won the World Superbike Championship with Yamaha in 2009, is enjoying an impressive first season in MotoGP. He is currently the leading 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.

More here:  http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/749/7802/Motorcycle-Article/Ben-Spies-Joins-Factory-Yamaha-for-2011.aspx

[Redbandit14]

Wow Who saw that coming? ???  

[R Doug]

 

[JamesG]

eh, not much of a surprise.  He's always wanted to goto MotoGP and I think there was a tact agreement that if he did well in WSBK he'd go to GPs, esp. now that Rossi is going to Ducati.

[bassjones]

eh, not much of a surprise.  He's always wanted to goto MotoGP and I think there was a tact agreement that if he did well in WSBK he'd go to GPs, esp. now that Rossi is going to Ducati.

  he's in GP this year... just not on the factory team. but yes, Rossi leaving certainly solidified this decision.

[Mookie]

eh, not much of a surprise.  He's always wanted to goto MotoGP and I think there was a tact agreement that if he did well in WSBK he'd go to GPs, esp. now that Rossi is going to Ducati.

Rip Van Winkle over here  

[JamesG]

Sorry, ive been busy...  

I'm not gonna care about Yamaha untill they bring me a Super Tenere!!!