MOTOGP » Suzuki close to revealing riders for '09

Huge mistake by the Suzuki factory by not solidifying the signing of Ben Spies...he has the talent and more importantly the mentality to be a winner here. I think its a monetary issue at this point, but the gsxr is the best selling bike in the world...scrape up some dough to sign him!

He's unproven at this level and wants multi world champ money, he's not skint, if he wanted it badly enough he'd be there. Reckon he found out in Laguna that it's a rather big step up and would prefer to be a big fish in a small pond......

We will see at Indy who is the right choice!

Suzuki is making a HUGE mistake in not picking up Spies. He is the Premier talent in the US market and young enough to tackle MotoGP. In a world where US riders are at a premium, Ben is an obvious choice. Even WSBK admits they need a strong American rider.

Loris is a great racer but hes past his prime & needs to retire and Chris is skittish at best. Suzuki really needs some new talent. Their going to regret this decision. Their Loss will be Honda or Ducati's gain!

"3rd while injured" and "past his prime" bit of a dichotomy

If someone wants to give him a ride, he's competitive and still enjoys it why should he retire?
Age should not be a factor, ok some of the factors normally associated with age yes but age itself no.

Must agree folks Dennings shortsightedness will come back and bite him. I hope Ben Spies hasnt been greedy though or he too may regret it.

Maybe Ben Spies needs to have a year in world surpers get to know some of the tracks that moto gp go to, Denning surly could have a word with the suzuki camp .This helps Ben get to grips with the traveling + the different weathers and also suzuki have still got him sign too them.

Spies is expensive, he wants the same amount of money as he currently earns, 2 million Euro
That is a lot of cash for a rookie. What they could do is 'park' him in WSBK for a year until Capi is done
but even then he only wants to cross the pond for the same money, not less.
And then there's his fear of flying...

Actually..this is a plus for Spies career. Why go into MotoGP on a hopelessly uncompetitive bike/team. By continuing the employment of 2 riders with ABSOLUTELY no championship potential exemplifies their philosophy of just being a "pressence" in the sport & unwillingness to expend the effort to fight for the title.

Spies' opportunities are quite limited in MotoGP unfortunately. If he gets on an uncompetitve bike (Kaw/Suz) he could take West's career path. If Honda continues with the RC212DP sized bikes..he's doomed there too. Ducati..big ??? can HE ride it?
I think wait a year & take Edwards seat. But who knows what will be THE bike next September. OR..stay in AMA & get $2m+/yr forever.

-Morgue
Yea i will admit Spies is expensive but hes not really a rookie not with 2 maybe 3 AMA SB titles in hand. Not to mention Alstare paid premo money for Biaggi and he was "technically" a rookie LOL. Hes still a great investment.

-Joe
Your on point dude but i think Spies will take any ride just to get in. I don't think he'll wait another year. AMA is "been there done that" especially with the DMG fiasco happening. The AMA ship is sinking fast. So if he wants a shot Ducati is his best bet besides Yamaha and i think Colin signed for 2 years so the M1 is not an option. The Alice Team or Grensini Honda is his best bet to get in.

He will probably end of on Fausto's squad.