Ben Spies has had a less than stellar start to the season, but his podium finish last week at Catalunya showed evidence that his confidence was back.

The factory Yamaha team thought the same thing as they have just agreed a one year extension to his contract. This means Spies will stay with the team throughout the 2012 season when the series switches to 1000cc machines.

Ben Spies said:
“I am very happy to say that I will remain a part of the Yamaha family and that I will continue in the MotoGP series for 2012. This is a privileged time of my career riding for the most successful team in recent years at the very highest racing level. Yamaha has been great in supporting me through World Superbike and on to MotoGP and I want to thank them for all they have done, and for giving me their trust to continue in MotoGP in 2012.”

Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, said:
“We are obviously delighted to announce the continuation of our partnership with Ben for the 2012 season and we hope that he will remain at Yamaha for many years to come.

“Ben has shown his ability to successfully compete at the highest level… his transition to the Yamaha Factory Racing team in 2011 has just begun and we have every confidence in Ben’s abilities and high potential for the future.

“This timely decision now allows us to concentrate on the present championship and, in parallel, to prepare for our 2012 MotoGP program with the change to the 1000cc bikes.”

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