Spies extends Yamaha contract

The American joined the team this season to partner world champion Jorge Lorenzo and is currently in seventh place in the standings.

Spies scored his first podium of the season in the previous race in Barcelona.

"I am very happy to say that I will remain a part of the Yamaha family," said Spies, "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.

"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."

Yamaha's managing director Lin Jarvis added: "We are obviously delighted to announce the continuation of our partnership with Ben for the 2012 season and we hope that he will remain at Yamaha for many years to come.

"Ben has shown his ability to successfully compete at the highest level; firstly by becoming Yamaha's first World Superbike champion in 2009 and then attaining the status of Best Rookie in 2010 with the Tech3 Yamaha Team."