How will Spies do on the Yamaha in WSBK?

Hi blag_d

I really don't know. On paper he should do really well. 3x AMA champ with a 90% podium rate..........Impressive stuff!

As Proc said, its a pity he didn't get a Motogp ride, but this is the next best thing. I've been wanting to see him going up against world class competition week in week out for some time. The AMA (or American Suzuki Show) hasn't been a good indicator for me. Too much rule bending and preferential treatment going on allegedly.

Along with the new manufacturers entering the series, Bens move to WSBK is one of the things that for me will make it the most interesting racing to watch next season.

How will Ben perform? I'm sure he'll do well.............but I'm gonna reserve judgment for now. As a Brit, I would like to see Tom Sykes outperform Ben. If that happens BSB will go up a notch or two in peoples minds, with regard to the feeder classes for the world series's.

Whatever happens, I can't wait to see.

Hi Blag_d, I wish he had gone to GP but .......... I think he will do well, Might even impress enough to take lorenzos seat 2010. I would think he will get a podium or two but as you say knowing the track is a part of it all. so Miller might be the place to try for the top step. I will be watching him closely as I do rate him as a top player. I think he will beat Tom in the championship. In fact Im sure he will.

Its a step nearer to GP anyway.

Edit. I have been thinking about this all day. Maybe they have given Ben 2 yrs to win the WSBK then move onto Rossi's ride. If he (Rossi) was considering retirement this yr and is just signed for the next 2. who knows ? Yamaha will have a few quid spare.

Hey Blag

I don't know if he'll be on the top step, I do think he'll be on the podium at some point during the year - and as I nodded my head along to Neil & 51's comments, I too thought how interesting WSBK's are going to be next season.

As some one who has only seen him ride as a wild card (I'm in the UK and we don't get any AMA coverage on the telly) I'm looking forward to seeing how he like's being a little fish in a big pond!

Roll on the 2009 season - this one is settled in nearly every championship!

Ben has some Talent that's for sure. But like Mr. Biaggi said " There are a lot of old dogs that like to bite" He will find geting on the podium a little more difficult when you don't have the only winning tire. I doubt he will be clearing off for a 12 second lead like here in the AMA.

The Yamaha is a solid pkg. so the bike will be capable. Learning the tracks will be another story.

Due to the pure talent of the guy, he will do really well.

A Yamaha R1 WSB is like a pussy cat compared to a GSV-R in the wet at an ice rink called Donnington Park in the rain.

Ben will [ I have no doubt at all ] in the top 5 first time out. Top rookie by a mile.

Darn shame that Paul Denning signed " has been " Loris instead of Ben. That will prove to bite him that will.

Never thought I would see anyone in here describe Loris Capirossi as a has been. Sad.