Ben Spies confirms Yamaha MotoGP interest for 2010

Ben Spies has confirmed he sits high on a list of Yamaha MotoGP targets for 2010.

The Texan is already being touted for a possible seat in the Tech 3 Yamaha squad, depending on how he performs in his rookie World Superbike campaign next season for Yamaha’s official factory team.

Spies’ manager Doug Gonda held lengthy talks with Tech 3 during 2008, but new deals for James Toseland and Colin Edwards closed the door on a swoop for the triple American superbike champion.

But the 24-year-old has made it clear he desires a MotoGP future and is determined to make the switch with Yamaha.

“I think I am one of the first people that they (Yamaha) want to ride their bike if Colin (Edwards) was to retire or Toseland went, whatever the case.

“What I’m happy about is that if I decide to stay in World Superbikes then I feel that I’m with the best team and if I go to MotoGP I’ll obviously be on one of the top teams with a bike that can win, “Spies told MCN.

Spies said he is convinced the Yamaha YZR-M1 is a bike to suit his style, with the four-cylinder machine proving its versatility in 2008.

He added: “Its not just Valentino because it goes good with Colin and (Jorge) Lorenzo, guys with all different styles. With the Ducati it seems that only Casey (Stoner) can make it work but the Yamaha seems to get around the track whoever is on it.”