Ben Spies: ‘I have to earn factory chance’

Ben Spies reckons he’s still got to show Yamaha he’s worthy of a seat alongside Valentino Rossi or Jorge Lorenzo in 2011.

The Texan has a two-year deal with Yamaha and has been heavily linked with a move to partner Rossi if Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo is tempted by overtures from Ducati and Honda.

Reigning World Superbike champion Spies currently rides for the satellite Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad and he told MCN: “I’ve got a contract and I’m going to be on something next year but I just don’t know where.

“Jorge and Valentino have to make their minds up on what they are going to do and once they do, if that leaves a spot open in the factory team they I’ve got to outperform 14 other guys to get that job.

“It’s not just once they make a decision that there is a spot open for me. I’ve still got to show I deserve that ride.”

Spies has not finished the last two races having withdrawn from the Spanish GP in Jerez with a mystery front-tyre issue, while he crashed out in last weekend’s French GP at Le Mans while fighting for a top ten finish.