Valencia MotoGP: Ben Spies shows off wild card Yamaha

Reigning World Superbike champion Ben Spies has shown off the stunning looking factory Yamaha YZR-M1 he will race as a wild card at this weekend’s Valencia MotoGP.

Spies, who recently won the WSB title in a thrilling final round shootout against Ducati rival Noriyuki Haga, will run his YZR-M1 in the colours of Sterilgarda.

Spies looked relaxed as he checked out the seating and handlebar position on the YZR-M1 ahead of tomorrow’s opening hour long practice session.

Spies will replace British rider James Toseland in the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad in 2010 having won the WSB crown at the first attempt.

This weekend’s final race in Valencia will be Spies’ fourth premier class appearance.

His best result was sixth place in a rain-lashed Indianapolis when he was riding Suzuki’s factory GSV-R.