Spies has been tipped as a future champion

Yamaha are replacing Ducati-bound Valentino Rossi with Ben Spies in next season's MotoGP World Championship.

The 26-year-old reigning Superbike World champion will move up from the Yamaha Tech 3 team, linking up with current MotoGP leader Jorge Lorenzo.

American Spies, who lies seventh in this season's championship, said: "I'm especially pleased that Yamaha have recognised the potential in me."

Nine-time champion Rossi confirmed he was leaving Yamaha earlier this month.

Rossi said: "Now the moment has come to look for new challenges, my work here is finished. Unfortunately, even the most beautiful love stories finish."

Yamaha motor racing director Lin Jarvis is convinced Spies has the potential to follow in Rossi's footsteps and said: "We're delighted that Ben will join the factory team for next season.

606: DEBATE Will Spies be a good replacement for Rossi?

"Ben has shown great promise in his first 10 MotoGP races. He has learnt rapidly and recorded strong results, including a well-deserved podium finish at Silverstone - impressive for someone in their first full season.

"We believe that Ben will be a future title contender and that he will be a good fit with our team. His mission next year will be to continue learning, consistently challenge for podium places and try to win some races."

Spies added: "My first year in MotoGP has been a great learning curve and for that I have to thank Herve Poncharal, all the team at Tech 3 and especially my American mechanics who have stuck by me throughout this great journey so far.

"Having previously been to only four of the 10 tracks to date, I have to be pleased with where I am and with having achieved my first podium so soon.

"I'm pleased Yamaha have given me the opportunity to step up to the factory team so early in my GP career.

"I believe that by working closely with the Yamaha staff and my mechanics we will be able to help develop the M1 and make the next step of challenging for regular podiums, followed by future championships."

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