Yamaha hopeful of keeping Spies until 2013
Added on Monday, December 13th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Yamaha hopeful of keeping Spies until 2013
Yamaha bosses have said they are optimistic about closing an extended deal with MotoGP rider Ben Spies, and that the final details should be ironed out in the near future.
For several weeks now representatives working on behalf of the former World Superbike champion have been in talks with Yamaha bosses to try and secure a new deal after a fantastic rookie MotoGP season.
The 26-year-old American has already signed a contract with Yamaha, until the end of 2011, but Yamaha bosses are keen to secure him to their team until the end of the 2013 season, following his performance in his initial MotoGP season.
Spies has already voiced his desire to stay with the team and has made it clear that he sees his future with Yamaha, while Yamaha management are keen to secure the Texan born rider for a longer deal.
The 26-year-old was named Rookie of the Year and was the leading non-factory rider, securing podium features in Indianapolis and Silverstone – topping off a spectacular first season.
Lin Jarvis, of Yamaha, said: “We are progressing and we have a very good relationship with Ben and his management and I’m optimistic that in the not too distant future we will be able to extend Ben’s contract.”
Spies will start the season alongside newly crowned World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, on Yamaha’s factory squad, in 2011.
