Illness rules Ben Spies out of Mugello test

A virus that ruined yesterday’s Italian MotoGP race for Ben Spies also ruled the Texan out of today’s test session at the Mugello circuit.

Spies had a disastrous Mugello race after he was struck by a suspected bout of food poisoning during Saturday night.

The 2009 World Superbike champion could only finish 11th after he complained of dizziness and sickness during the 23-lap race.

His lap times fluctuated between 1.48s and 1.51s for most of the race and Yamaha boss Massimo Meregalli said the 2011 Assen MotoGP winner was almost vomiting the moment he jumped off his YZR-M1 machine.

Spies said he felt much better this morning but drained of energy it was decided that he would sit out today’s test.

Meregalli told MCN: “We thought it was food poisoning initially but maybe it was a virus. He said he woke at 3am on Saturday night and he was dripping in sweat and then he had some stomach issues.

“During the warm-up he had some dizzy feelings and after three laps he was completely destroyed. We told him to do what he could for the race and he said he considered pulling in but he wanted to finish the race.

“After the race he was really bad and he was trying to throw up and he was shaking. He felt better this morning but he said he was completely without energy and we decided it was best for him not to test.”

Factory Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo completed 40-laps checking new engine parts but the Spaniard said the tweaks were no improvement.

Lorenzo, who won yesterday’s Italian Grand Prix to move 19-points clear of Dani Pedrosa, was finished before the 1pm lunch break and he set a best time of 1.47.435. That was 0.3s faster than his best lap in yesterday’s race.
For full coverage of the Mugello race, see the July 18 issue of MCN.