Dubbed ‘the second worst secret’ in MotoGP this season, the rumour that Ben Spies would move up to take Valentino Rossi’s vacated seat in the factory Yamaha team from 2011 was confirmed today by Yamaha’s Lin Jarvis:

Lin Jarvis said:
“We’re delighted that Ben will join the factory team for next season. Ben has shown great promise in his first ten MotoGP races. He has learnt rapidly and recorded strong results, including a well-deserved podium finish at Silverstone – impressive for someone in their first full season.”

“We believe that Ben will be a future title contender and that he will be a good fit with our team. His mission next year will be to continue learning, consistently challenge for podium places and try to win some races.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Herve Poncharal and the Tech 3 team for taking care of Ben this season and for giving him such good training for the years ahead. I hope that he will repay them by getting some more podium results in the second half of this season and helping them to secure top satellite team status at the end of this year.”

Ben Spies said:
“My first year in MotoGP has been a great learning curve and for that I have to thank Herve Poncharal, all the team at Tech 3 and especially my American mechanics who have stuck by me throughout this great journey so far.

“Having previously been to only four of the ten tracks to date, I have to be pleased with where I am and with having achieved my first podium so soon.

“I’m especially pleased that Yamaha have recognised the potential in me and given me the opportunity to step up to the factory team so early in my GP career.”

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