There is only one guy to beat, in my opinion, in 2009 and that you can beat that guy then you might be a great rider.
That guy is Haga!
If Spies can ride and fight with Haga at US tracks or world track then he will have earned my respect and admiration.
Two more things to add....
If Spies does ride well in 2009 for Yamaha and comes say top 10 or even top 5 or gets few wins/podiums then what does Yamaha do with him for 2010?
- Move him to Tech 3 in GPs and hand the Yamaha WSBK effort to Edwards?
- Keep in WSBk to try and really win the title in 2010?
Or even worse if he does not do well at all 2009 then does Yamaha do with him....?
- Take chance to keep him in WSBK possibly doing better in year 2?
- Or move him to GPs without a proven record on the world stage?
The pressure is on Ben to deliver for himself and Yamaha....So best of luck to him and Yamaha