Mugello: Ben Spies set for MotoGP comeback

"I'm certainly not at 100%, but in the next few days I'll understand [my fitness level] better" - Ben Spies.

30 May 2013

Tom Houseworth and Spies, Jerez MotoGP tests, March 2013
© Gold and Goose

After sitting out the past two rounds to undergo further rehabilitation on his healing shoulder, Ben Spies will return to MotoGP duty for the Pramac Ducati team in their home Italian round at Mugello this weekend.

"I'm better than before. I've worked intensively to prepare the muscles for the effort required by a MotoGP bike, and especially the Desmosedici, and now I'm here with the team, ready to get back to work," said Spies, who underwent surgery after injuring his shoulder at Sepang last October.

"I'm certainly not at 100%, but in the next few days I'll understand [my fitness level] better as I ride my bike. The Mugello circuit isn't the easiest one for making my return, as the track is challenging, and since it's Ducati's 'house,' there will be a lot of pressure and a lot of fans!

"Still, I'm happy to get back to competing in the World Championship and I would like to thank Michele Pirro for working with the team in my absence at Le Mans."

Spies' best finish of the season so far is a tenth place in the opening Qatar round.