Ben Spies weeks away from 100% shoulder strength

Ben Spies fears his recovering right shoulder injury won’t be back to 100% strength until early next month when the MotoGP world championship’s European campaign kicks off in Jerez.

The Texan suffered a serious shoulder injury almost six months ago when he crashed out of a rain-lashed Sepang race in Malaysia.

Movement is not an issue but strength remains a major problem for Spies, who struggled with fatigue and soreness after his Ducati debut in Qatar recently saw him finish in 10th position.

The 2009 World Superbike champion admitted after a gruelling 22-lap race that he had considered retiring at one stage because of the lack of strength in his shoulder.

The Ignite Ducati rider believes he will struggle again in his home race at the new Circuit of the Americas this weekend but is hoping he will have regained 100% strength in time for the Jerez clash in Spain on May 4.

The former factory Yamaha rider told MCN: “It sucks to say it but the shoulder being 100% I’d say won’t be until Jerez when nothing is holding me back. It is getting better but this was a bad injury and it is going to take time. I’m committed and working my ass off and trying as hard as ever.”