Jorge Lorenzo: Spies is title threat

Reigning MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo reckons new factory Yamaha team-mate Ben Spies will emerge as a serious title threat in 2011.

Spies was Rookie of the Year in 2010 after a stellar first full season with the satellite Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad saw him claim podium finishes in Silverstone and Indianapolis.

The Texan, who won the 2009 World Superbike title, has already impressed since his move to partner Lorenzo in Yamaha’s factory squad this season and he’s been earmarked as a potential title contender by Spaniard Lorenzo.

Lorenzo, who won nine races in his way to a record-breaking points haul of 383-points last season, said: “I think Ben is going to fight for the championship. He is very fast and has already shown he can fight to the front of the pack and was the best satellite rider last year.”

Lorenzo also alluded to the fact that his relationship with Spies is likely to be much closer than the one he experienced with bitter rival Valentino Rossi.

Lorenzo said he anticipated a more harmonious relationship with Spies and he added: “Ben is a friendly guy, he is serious on the track like me but we have no problems between each other and I don’t think we will have in the future either. Our situation is very strong as we are two very fast riders. I think the way we are on track and the way we are away from the track are very different. It’s good for us to have a great relationship, not just for us but to help Yamaha to develop the bike.”