Factory Yamaha's Ben Spies has signed a one-year extension to his contract and will remain with the squad in MotoGP until the end of 2012.

"I am very happy to say that I will remain a part of the Yamaha family and that I will continue in the MotoGP series for 2012. This is a privileged time of my career riding for the most successful team in recent years at the very highest racing level," said Spies.

"Yamaha has been great in supporting me through World Superbike and on to MotoGP and I want to thank them for all they have done, and for giving me their trust to continue in MotoGP in 2012. I especially would like to say thank you to Lin Jarvis and Masahiko Nakajima for their support.”