Spies confirms two year Yamaha deal for WSB and MotoGP

WSB sensation Ben Spies has ended months of speculation over his future by signing a two year deal with Yamaha Motor Europe. His new contract is expected to see him remain in WSB in 2010 before switching to MotoGP in 2011 with the Yamaha satellite squad.

Spies said: “I am very happy to say that I will remain a part of the Yamaha family and will continue in the WSB series for 2010. This is an exciting period of my racing career and I look forward to even more. Yamaha has been great in the warm welcome that I have received entering the world level and I want to thank them for all they have done, and giving me their trust for a next career step into MotoGP in 2011.”

Spies currently sits seven points behind series leader Noriyuki Haga with four rounds and 200 points still available. Before today’s announcement, Spies was expected to switch to MotoGP with the Yamaha Tech 3 team if he won the WSB title and only stay in WSB if he didn’t, but it now appears he will stay in the Superbike paddock regardless of results and championship position.

Laurens Klein Koerkamp, Racing Manager Yamaha Motor Europe said: “This early agreement permits Yamaha and Ben Spies to now fully focus on their 2009 World Superbike campaign in their challenge to achieve their first World Superbike Championship titles.

Yamaha Motor Racing boss, Lin Jarvis, added – “We are truly excited about the prospect of Ben’s arrival into our future MotoGP program. Ben’s primary mission is to win both his and Yamaha’s first World Superbike title.  After that when Ben eventually makes the move to the MotoGP championship we will be ready for him and, in line with the new MotoGP regulations, we will create a place for him within the Yamaha satellite team and give him the support he needs for his next challenge.”