Ben Spies reveals modest 2010 ambitions

Ben Spies has never been one for making outlandish predictions.

Yet the normally guarded Texan broke rank recently, revealing his 2010 MotoGP aspirations after another attention-grabbing performance last month in winter testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Given his startling form and impressive switch to Yamaha’s YZR-M1 800cc machine, consistent top ten finishes are a modest prediction but typical of the reserved 25-year-old.

Laying out his 2010 masterplan, the reigning World Superbike champion told MCN: “Honestly every race finishing in the top ten is the first goal.

“It’s a tough series right now. Colin (Edwards) is riding the best he’s ever ridden and those top four alien guys are always going to be there.

“I’m just trying to turn myself more into a MotoGP rider to see what I can do, but right now the goal is just to be fighting consistently every week in the top ten and see if we can get in that fifth to seventh battle.”

If the opening two tests in Sepang are a barometer of Spies’ potential, it won’t be long before he’s amending his pre-season aspirations.

Another accomplished performance by the fast-learning American at the last Sepang test saw him finish fifth quickest.

Essential to Spies’ instant impact in MotoGP has been his ability to dispense quickly with old aggressive World Superbike superbike habits that are at odds with the finesse needed to master an 800cc bike.

“I’ve buried everything I’ve done from the past.

“I could be hard-headed and arrogant because I’ve won championships to think I know best but this is a massive learning exercise for me.“ Spies added as he prepares to end the 2010 pre-season under the Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar this week.