During his freshman year in MotoGP aboard the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha, Ben Spies displayed his raw talent. The Texan's best finish that year (2010) came at Indy when he took second.
Although he didn't win any races, Spies would end the year with a significant award - the 2010 MotoGP Rookie of the Year.
Knowing Spies could perform, he was quickly signed to the Yamaha Factory Racing team with 2010 MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo. Spies filled in the empty seat left by previous Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi, who moved to Ducati for 2011.
And by Round 7 at Assen, Spies comfort on the factory Yamaha M1 was progressing. The 2009 World Superbike Champion won at Assen, taking his first-ever MotoGP victory during his sophomore year.
Including the win, Spies would have four podiums in 2011 - Catalunya (third), Assen (first), Indianapolis (third) and Valencia (second). Spies was in strong form at Valencia, the 2011 MotoGP finale, but lost out to the champ Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) by 0.015 of a second, the tightest finish of the year.
Spies would finish 2011 fifth overall with 176 points. And with his performances arrived some great pics, the five above highlighting the year; these photos also make for some great wallpaper of the number 11 rider.
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