Ben Spies looks to pose bigger podium threat

Ben Spies is confident the new 2011 factory Yamaha YZR-M1 will help his bid to become a more consistent podium challenger in this year’s MotoGP series.

The Texan had a stellar debut season in 2010 when he claimed podium finishes at Silverstone and Indianapolis to end the season top non-factory rider and leading rookie.

Spies though believes he can emerge as a much more potent threat for the podium in 2011 after a positive first test on the new YZR-M1 in Malaysia last week.

The 2009 World Superbike champion told MCN: “One of the negatives last year was we needed more acceleration and obviously some engine power. We are getting out of the corner a bit better without a wheelie issue so much and we have better drive grip.

“I want to do better than I did last year and obviously that is fighting for the podium and the win more often. We’re making steps to where we need to be with getting the bike out of the corner with less wheelie and better traction. Hopefully we can add some more power later.”

Spies will be back on track later this month at the Sepang circuit for the second pre-season test.

For nine pages of coverage from last week’s Sepang test, see today’s (February 9) issue of MCN.