Factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies was forced to call a halt to his second MotoGP free practice session at Motegi earlier today after a bout of food poisoning left him with only enough strength to complete just five laps before retiring to the medical centre.
Spies has been feeling ill for a couple of days and was very nearly stopped from boarding his flight to Japan. Team boss Massimo Meregalli says the Texan is getting better with the treatment he is receiving.
“What a shocking start to the weekend, I don’t think I’ve ever been as sick as I was on the journey over here, I was nearly not allowed on the plane. I’m slowly getting my strength back thanks to the great guys at Clinica but didn’t have enough to ride properly in the second session," said the former World Superbike Champion.
"I started to get tunnel vision on the straight and just felt it was too dangerous to be out there. I’m working with Clinica today and tomorrow and am sure things will be a bit better for qualifying and the race. I’m really sorry for my team and all the Japanese fans who came to watch today.”
