In a world exclusive interview for bikesportnews.com, Sterilgarda Yamaha's Ben Spies talks with World Superbike TV commentator Jonathan Green about his switch to MotoGP and what it means to him.
Spies expects the job to be difficult but is pragmatic and says he doesn't expect to be challenging for podiums from the off, and that if he gets beaten it will be by the best in the business.
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"I have known personally since before the Indy MotoGP round that is what I was doing but it doesn't affect what I will do for the next four World Superbike races.
"It's going to be another challenge. I come here to win but in MotoGP the goal will be to finish in the top eight every round, I think that what the level is. The guys there are definitely faster and the bikes are different beasts. It's going to be a big learning curve but I have to try.
"It's too early to say what spec of bike I will be on, but it looks like it should be close to the factory stuff. I think the satellite bikes will be closer than they have been previously to the factory bikes. That's out of my control and all I can do is go out there, prove myself and get the results.
"I don't have any expectations right now, we will see how I stack up when we get out testing. I know it would take a very special day to set foot on the podium but that's something I can deal with. If I am getting beaten, I am getting beaten by the best there is.
"Tyres are the big question. I know I can ride a motorcycle good but I am going to have to change a lot of things in order to go fast on a MotoGP bike. All I can do is try and put in the effort, and see what happens.
"Colin is a great guy and one of the people I have always looked up to. I have even got a picture of him with me at one of the first races I ever went to, back in 1992 when he was riding a Yamaha.
"He is a great racer and somebody I can learn from. Team Texas is something that has never happened in MotoGP and there are a lot of opportunities that can go with it, and funny stuff too.
"You race in AMA and World Superbikes, but MotoGP is MotoGP. All the greats have been there, from Agostini to Doohan, Schwantz, Rainey and Rossi. That's where it is. Just to be able to say I was in MotoGP, and maybe pull out some podium pictures, that's pretty special."
