Interview: Ben Spies

We are almost over with the pre-season tests of the MotoGP, Sepang one and two are under the belt and we are waiting for the last and very important test in Qatar. 

The Yamaha guys showed that the M1 is one hell of a ride and that suits different riding styles. Valentino Rossi broke the new circuit record on the second test and he was always on the top of the time sheets. Unfortunately Jorge Lorenzo was missing this due to a broken hand but we did have a great show from the Yamaha Tech3 team. Both Texan riders, Colin Edwards and Ben Spies, have had a great pre-season so far and they look strong for the championship.

This is why we wanted to have a chat with the reigning WSBK Champion Ben Spies after he conquered the world production bike series in his very first season and he’s aiming high on the GPs as well.

Q: We know from your social networking that you are taking your approach on a step by step basis. Even though you’ve already had some very good results like the 2′01″.0 in Sepang during the last test. How do you feel about the MotoGP at the moment?

Ben Spies: Ha! For sure baby steps. I was able to do well at the first test and I think the second test showed that I was getting more comfortable with bike. I am very glad to have the opportunity to experience the MotoGP series. This is a great challenge for sure.

Q: The M1 looks like a very good machine and you have an all Texan line up in Tech3. What’s your thoughts on that? Main differences between the M1 and R1?

Ben Spies: Ha! I think having two riders from Texas on the one team is going to be fun!! For me, the approach is my riding style. The bikes are two different types of motorcycles and therefore the weight of the bike, the power of the bike and when you have the power it’s different.

Q: You prepared during the off-season with some road cycling but did you also do some MX riding or something else?

Ben Spies: You know, this time, this winter season I didn’t do any motocross training and I didn’t do any skiing. That was unusual for me.

Q: You gained your #11 again, where does this come from?

Ben Spies: My professional number in the USA was # 11.

Q: Are you superstitious? Do you do anything abnormal before racing? Anything personal with the bike?

Ben Spies: No, well I prefer to wear the same leathers, gloves, boots and helmet as much as possible but that’s because I become comfortable in them. As you know, when you wear something new it is noticably not formed to you, a little stiff. It’s a distraction. Ha, everyone laughs at me for my stretches. Alot of people say I look like a frog about to take a leap!  For the bike, respect.

Q: Talking about technical stuff, you got a sensational style. I’ve read you earned it because the first rides you had you needed to get some support from your elbows. Is this for real?

Ben Spies: Yeah, its the real deal, ha! I was in California and I dropped by the Willow Springs track to see Jason Pridmore. He was teaching there with his racing school, he said that I messed his teaching up because I was successful with the ‘elbowz ‘ out and that normally, its not possible!! I ate the chocolate cookies too.

Q: Braking is one of the most important aspect riding on a track, got any tips for riders? Do you use the rear brake a lot?

Ben Spies: That’s tough to answer. I have to judge what the bike in certain corners can do with me feeling comfortable. Sometimes you have to brake early and then throttle up or sometimes you brake late. So I think it depends on the the momentum for that corner on a track. I do use more rear brake than the front.

Q: How do you feel living in Italy? Are you enjoying it?

Ben Spies: Unfortunately, I don’t live in Italy. I do use Italy as my base when I am there. I have met many cyclists that I can train with when I am in Europe in the Milan-Como area. When I am there, yes, I really enjoy Italy. Beautiful area of Europe and the food is perfect. Also, the people are so nice and helpful. Very supportive of me.

Q: About the season in MotoGP, what’s your goal? Who do you think will get the title in the end and who are your favourite riders?

Ben Spies: My goal is to learn as much as possible about the bike and what the bike and I can do together. Ha, you can’t catch me on that question!! The title? It is too soon to tell. Favorite riders? I have friends that ride in MotoGP and I’ve got a lot of respect for several of the riders. Each rider is unique. All the riders have talent for sure.

Q: Thanks a lot for your time and Good Luck for your (don’t forget about it) very first GP season!

Ben Spies: Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you. Hope to see you at the races!!