Yamaha has today announced they have signed an agreement to keep Ben Spies for the 2010 and 2011 season and say he will remain in World Superbikes next season and switch to MotoGP in 2011.
Spies has been charged with taking Yamaha's first World Superbike title either this year or next before moving into the blue riband class in a year's time.
"I am very happy to say that I will remain a part of the Yamaha family and that I will continue in the WSB series for 2010. This is an exciting period of my racing career and I look forward now even more," said Spies.
"Yamaha has been great in the warm welcome that I have received entering the world arena and I want to thank them for all they have done, and for giving me their trust for a next career step into MotoGP in 2011."
The annoucement probably means James Toseland will be sleeping slightly easier as Spies was tipped to be taking his place in the Monster Yamaha MotoGP team, but maybe not so good for Leon Camier who must have thought he was in with a shout at taking Spies' place if he left.
