According to Yamaha racing boss Lin Jarvis, the decision came after Spies himself requested it. The rider confirms Jarvis’ statement.
“Following the announcement of Ben’s two year deal with Yamaha one month ago, he has reassessed his options and decided that he would like to move to MotoGP sooner rather than later. Yamaha has considered his request and together with Tech 3 we were able to find a way to make it happen,” Jarvis said in a press release from Yamaha.
“I did sign for WSB for 2010 but after Indy I began thinking of the competition and my age versus waiting until 2011,” said Spies. “I have enjoyed his series and this first year racing in Europe. Now I have two challenges, to complete this year giving my best and to move towards new goals in MotoGP,” he added.
Spies, who will join the Tech 3 Yamaha Team, will bring several members of his own crew with him. "Herve Poncharal at Tech 3 is showing his support by allowing me to come on board with my crew chief Tom Houseworth and Gregory Wood, my mechanic, who have both been with me since AMA days," he said.
The American rider lost control of his bike and went off the track during the second World Superbike Championship race at Imola the past weekend, which cost him the lead in the overall classification, where he is currently three points behind Haga. However, with two more rounds left, Spies still has chances to win over his and Yamaha’s first World Superbike title.
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