Ben Spies has been confirmed for Tech 3 Yamaha in the 2010 FIM MotoGP World Championship, taking over the ride of British rider James Toseland.
The young American has won 12 of the 24 races so far in the World Superbike Championship and is just three points behind championship leader Noriyuki Haga.
Earlier this year it was announced Spies would be joining Yamaha in MotoGP in 2011, but after further thought from the team his MotoGP career has been brought forward a year, forcing out James Toseland to create an all-American line up alongside Colin Edwards.
Spies said: “I want to thank Yamaha globally for their faith in me, they have treated me like royalty.”
He added: “Yamaha just recently allowed me to rethink my contract for 2010-2011; I did sign for Superbikes for 2010 but I began thinking of the competition and my age and waiting until 2011.
“This was not an easy decision, the Yamaha World Superbike Team crew have been fantastic and it’s been great fun to put in a season together.
“I am hoping that I can give everyone else a championship to remember this year with me.
“We will have learning curves to overcome next year but I am up for the new goal.
“I hope to have a good year and my goal is to try and stay in the top 6-8 which, given the talented line up, will be a tall order.”
