Suzuki confirm Ben Spies for British MotoGP

As revealed by MCN yesterday, Suzuki has confirmed that reigning American superbike champion Ben Spies will replace injured Loris Capirossi at the British MotoGP and Spies has said he’s really excited.

Spies said: “I was excited that my first GP was to be at Laguna Seca in the States, but I’m now more excited by this!

“I think this will be a good thing for me to start out at Donington; it is a track I don’t know so I have no pressure. I haven’t done any testing on the bike or with race and qualifying tyres so I am not really expected to do anything much, so I can just go out there and learn how everything works and enjoy the event,” said Spies, who believes the experience he gains at Donington Park will help him for his wild card slots in Laguna Seca and Indianapolis.

Spies added: “This will be good for when we get back to the wildcard races in Laguna and Indianapolis because I know those tracks and I’ll have some knowledge of the bike and be able to put my head down and go for it there.

“This is great for me to get the chance, but it is in an unfortunate way that I am there because of the injury to Loris and I wish him all the best on a full recovery. I hope I can represent everybody really good and just want to go out there and have some fun!”

While Spies was celebrating his big chance to impress the MotoGP paddock, his mood is in contrast to that of Italian veteran Loris Capirossi.

The 35-year-old said: “I’m really disappointed not to be racing at Donington as it is the team’s home Grand Prix and I know there will be a lot of fans there that have come to see us.

“I tried to get fit and although Dr Costa says the break is healing well, it won’t be good for me to race there, as it won’t be strong enough. So I hope to be back for Assen.

“I wish Ben all the best on his debut, but he shouldn’t get too comfortable on my bike because I want it back soon.”