Indy MotoGP: Official Ben Spies replaces Valentino Rossi

Ben Spies will replace Valentino Rossi in Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad in 2011.

As has been widely expected for several weeks now, the Texan will partner Jorge Lorenzo in a deal confirmed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in America this morning.

Spies will move onto a factory YZR-M1 following Rossi’s departure to Ducati for next season in a move first revealed by MCN at the end of June.

The 26-year-old has been hugely impressive in his rookie premier class campaign and so far he has fully justified his big reputation after he romped to a record-breaking World Superbike crown in 2009.

Spies claimed his first MotoGP podium at Silverstone in June and he claimed another personal milestone earlier this weekend in Brno by claiming his first ever front row start.

He is currently seventh in the world championship standings with 90-points having claimed five top six finishes in the last six races, Spies tested a 2011 factory YZR-M1 prototype machine in Brno earlier this week in readiness for his switch to the factory squad immediately after the final race in Valencia.

Yamaha boss 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.”