Ben Spies leaves Yamaha

It’s emerged this afternoon that factory Yamaha MotoGP star Ben Spies will part company with the Japanese firm’s team at the end of the 2012 season.

In a short statement on Twitter, the Texan, whose achievements include winning the 2009 WSB title, said: “I’m extremely happy to push for the rest of the season to my fans and myself[…] Next year starts a new chapter.”

He added: “I have chosen to leave Yamaha after this season for a litany of reasons. I will explain more when I feel it is appropriate. I’m discussing my situation with my sponsors and they are behind me.

“There are a few people at Yamaha who I hate to leave. And they know who they are. I wish Yamaha the best. I won’t make any further comments until the offical announcement comes out.”

More on this story as further details emerge.

Source: www.superbikeplanet.com