Mugello MotoGP: Ben Spies looks to build on debut win

Ben Spies is determined to build on the confidence and morale gained from his maiden MotoGP win in this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello

The Texan became the 11th American rider in history to win a MotoGP race when he dominated the Dutch round at Assen only five days ago.

And the factory Yamaha rider said the magnitude of his debut success was still sinking in as he prepares to mount another challenge at the front in Mugello.

The 2009 World Superbike champion said: “It hasn’t completely sunk in yet but I’m starting to understand what’s happened and it is a great feeling. I’m still thinking about it today and using the confidence and the morale coming into this weekend, but tomorrow is Mugello and we have to forget about last weekend and give 100 per cent and not think about what just happened. It is a great feeling and a lifelong dream but this is a new weekend and we got to use Assen for confidence.”

Spies said his hopes of notching a second successive win would be made more complicated by the return of Spaniard Dani Pedrosa.

And he’s also anticipating a stronger fight from nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi, with the Italian gearing up for his much anticipated factory Ducati debut on home soil.

Spies added: “It is going to be another hard weekend with the competition being the way it is and Dani being back now. He’s another strong rider who could be back at the front. Everybody Valentino’s track record here is great and the Ducati home track we can expect some surprises or something coming out from there.”