Ben Spies speaks about Ducati

Last night in Madonna di Campiglio Ben Spies officially became a Ducati MotoGP rider, and he can’t wait to get going.

Unveiling his 2013 machine with team mate Andrea Iannone and factory riders Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso, Spies spoke about this season.

“I am excited to be a part of the Ducati family. This is something I’ve wanted from the beginning of my racing career.

“My team and I have our work cut out for us and new goals to meet, but we’ll benefit from factory support and Audi coming on board. Ducati has four strong riders with different styles, which should improve the Desmosedici and bring it back up to the top where it belongs.”

With the unveiling we also saw Spies’ new sponsor for 2013. Both Pramac bikes are running different sponsors, last week we were told Andrea Iannone would be run under the Energy T.I banner, and yesterday we found out the Texan will be sponsored by Ignite Assessment Management. Ignite is a New York-based, alternative-asset-management firm led by a group of hedge-fund industry veterans and supported by private investors with a passion for motorsports.

Spies will get his first taste of the Desmosedici in three weeks time when the first 2013 test begins in Malaysia on February 5th.