Newly-crowned World Superbike Champion Ben Spies has said he is aware that the switch to MotoGP, which begins for him at Valencia this weekend, is a big step up and is under no illusions about his expected results.

The American, who took the 2009 WSB crown in his rookie year, will run under Sterilgarda colours in Spain and has reverted to his favoured number 11 with which he won three AMA Superbike titles.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to race at Valencia this weekend. I’m fully aware that MotoGP is a big step up from World Superbike and realize it’s not going to be possible to achieve the same results in my first year there. I see this weekend as an opportunity to spend some time on the bike and start learning it for next season, and to have some fun as well," said Spies.