Ben Spies targets return to top five in Sepang

American Ben Spies is confident he can return to the top five at this weekend’s Sepang MotoGP race in Malaysia.

The Texan had two successful winter tests at the Sepang circuit back in February when he was still in the process of adapting to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine.

And he has targeted a return to the top five in this weekend’s race having finished eighth in last Sunday’s Twin Ring Motegi race in Japan.

Spies made an early mistake that put him back in 15th in Japan but he produced a terrific fightback.

And having finished fifth quickest at his last appearance on the long and technical Sepang circuit, he said: “I’ve been to Sepang twice and I had a good test. I was fast there so hopefully I’ve evolved quite a bit since I’ve been there and I ride these bikes better now.

“Im not expecting miracles but I’m pretty confident going there I’ll be able to get back into the form of the last few races.”

Prior to last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Spies had claimed five successive top six finishes.