Buzzin MotoGP

Ben Spies

It has now been confirmed that World Superbike rider Ben Spies will be racing alongside Colin Edwards for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team in MotoGP for 2010.

The 25-year-old Texan, has taken the World Superbike series by storm, winning 12 of the 24 races so far this season, with 9 pole positions and is currently in second place for the championship, only 3 points behind series leader Noriyuki Haga.

Although previously announced that he would remain in the WSB series for next season, his plans have now changed with the Yamaha boss stating;

“Following the announcement of Ben’s two year deal with Yamaha one month ago, he has reassessed his options and decided that he would like to move to MotoGP sooner rather than later.  Yamaha has considered his request and together with Tech 3 we were able to find a way to make it happen.

Ben has done a fantastic job in his rookie season in World Superbike and we are very excited to now be welcoming him into our MotoGP program sooner than we originally expected. We believe that Ben will be a fast learner next season and a strong future championship contender. We look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

Colin Edwards has already signed a one-year contract to remain with the team until 2011 and is currently running in sixth place in the championship on 123 points.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team Manager Herve Poncharal said in a press release;

“I am delighted that Colin will remain with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team in 2010. He has proved once again in 2009 that he remains one of the world’s best riders and he is a tremendous asset for Tech 3, Yamaha and Monster. Colin has been an integral part of our recent success and his dedication and impressive performances mean his new contract is thoroughly deserved. It also gives me great pleasure to welcome Ben to Tech 3. It’s a very exciting prospect having a rider of Ben’s calibre join our team. Everybody is aware that he is a rider with incredible talent and huge potential, which he has proved with some outstanding performances for Yamaha in World Superbikes this season. And I have no doubt that together with Tech 3, Yamaha and Monster that Ben will be a big success in 2010 in MotoGP. Colin and Ben together means Tech 3 will arguably field its strongest ever line-up and everybody in the team can look forward to 2010 with tremendous excitement and optimism. Finally I would also like to thank James Toseland. He has been one of the most determined and dedicated riders ever to work with Tech 3. I have nothing but admiration for James and it has been a privilege working with him. I wish him all the best for the future.”