Nicky Hayden: "Ben Spies belongs in MotoGP"

Former world champion Nicky Hayden said it is obvious that Ben Spies deserves to be in MotoGP after the Texan’s impressive performance in Valencia.

Spies rode to a brilliant seventh place on his YZR-M1 debut in Valencia and then played a starring role in the post race test, ending the second day beaten only by Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. 

And fellow American Hayden, who won the 2006 world title for Repsol Honda, told MCN: “Spies belongs in MotoGP, that’s pretty clear. I think it’s good to have all the best riders in the world here and he’s certainly one of them.

“Certainly he belongs here. He’s a big talent and he’ll be tough to beat. Also for sport in America, another fast American with two races there is a good thing. I’m excited to see him here and see how he goes.”