Ben Spies’ season over

Ben Spies’ 2013 season is over after his Ignite Pramac team revealed the Texan won’t be returning to his Ducati for the final five races this season.

Spies dislocated his left shoulder during a practice session, during his return from a long standing shoulder injury he sustained in October last year, and that injury appears to have ended his season prematurely.

Spies has only raced at the season opener in Qatar and his home race at the Circuit of the America’s albeit well below 100%.

He then decided that it would be better to take time out to recover properly to avoid further injury, and despite a brief appearance in Mugello, Spies was ruled out till Indianapolis.

Yesterday there were rumours that Spies’ season was over, but today Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti told British press MCN Spies’ season is over.

“It seems that he is not coming for the rest of this season and we are now looking for a replacement,” Guidotti told MCN. “It seems Ben will not be ready.

“We are looking for someone for the rest of the season but not for next year. Our priority is to wait for Ben. When I speak with him or text him it is clear his frustration at the situation and he wants to come back.”

“Michele can’t do Aragon because he has an important test. And there is another important test in the week in between Sepang and Phillip Island, so that is not possible. So we will need somebody for at least four races and maybe Michele can do Valencia.”

Guidotti also responded to questions about rumours that Spies was at risk of having his contract at Pramac terminated after his horror year.

“We plan to race two bikes and I don’t think Ducati wants to break the contract with Ben. We are looking at a scenario in case he doesn’t come back but we have to do that. But we have not contacted any rider and we are waiting for Ben.”

Expect official confirmation tomorrow or Sunday regarding Spies, and soon as we hear about any replacement riders we will be sure to let you know.