MOTOGP » Sepang MotoGP test times - Thursday.

here's a little something I came across, I make no secret about it, I said it before, and I'll say it again: Ben Spies is, after Rossi, the most naturally gifted racer in the world right now.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/sport/sportresults/mcn/2007/october/oct22-28/motogpsuzukiplotbenspiesfuturetofendoffrivalinterest/?&R=EPI-96599

Will,
You couldn't have read all the articles, Shwantz stated after helping Spies get familiar with the track that he (Kevin) couldn't keep pace with Spies. In addtion, Spies was limited to using Hopkins set up, as well. Also, Spies was required by Rizla to remain silent and prohibited to speak to anyone on the issue as this was journalist day and had to remain as such. Spies un official lap time was 1:34.8

And yes Shwantz did speak of Spies throttle control in cornering, but said "It's nothing serious that he can't adapt and change".

well, WILL...I suggest you look through your amazing library of motorcycle current event literature and find the latest issue of CYCLE NEWS. It's the one with Pedrosa on the cover. I would hope u have it since you " read all the US articles as well as the european sites." As for the imaginary info comment...maybe you should learn to read again and it won't sound so "imaginary" to you. "Chris" quoted the article himself if u read his comment.

wayneUSA, the article you mention re Spies mentions his quick adaptation to the Suzuki and the fact he was only 1sec slower than Hopper, and less than 1sec slower than Vermulen - i.e. slower than both works Suzuki riders! Still a great effort however.

dont know much about Spies. just if someone has time - two questions - what is he doing now and where would he like/does intend to be next year?
thanks in adavance

also think that any test results at this time can't reflect accurately on which way will be things going. too early...

You've got to fit the profile to get the ride. If Suzuki were prepared to pay Mladin the salary he deserved then maybe they would of won more than one WSBK championship or even more readily challenged the other manufacturers in MotoGP. Smart money would of been to of put Spies on the Suzuki for 2008 rather than waste the bike on Capa. They'd still win AMA with Mladin and have another rider on the MotoGP tour in development. I'm an Aussie, would love to see Vermuluen succeed in MotoGP but 2008 may be his last chance, Capa can't have much longer to go and Suzuki may well be finding themselves searching for 2 riders in 2009.

Everything ive read has said Spies fastest time was 1:34.8. Hopper did 1:33.06 and Vermeulen 1:33.59 during the race so i think it was a bit of a media beat up. Still a good effort.

Well if Flukey Hayden once again fails to impress, Honda know who to poach

Spies is without doubt one of the most natural talents around... its taken years for someone to beat Mladin, Spies has done this now 2 years in succession...
Spies has a major fear of flying apparently which has been prohibitive until now... I for one hope to see him in MotoGP next year...