Spies content with top six

Ben Spies’ challenge for a podium finish at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix took the American close to a top-three finish in front of his home crowd at Laguna Seca, but the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider eventually missed out and placed sixth after a solid effort.

The 26 year-old fought with compatriot Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi in the latter stages of the race, and his rapid start from the second row saw Spies as high as third after the start.

“I got a really good start and was third but then for the next couple of laps I just couldn't get my speed up fast enough. The group in front pulled a bit of a gap on me but once I found my rhythm I caught Nicky and Valentino pretty quickly,” said Spies.

“I passed Nicky and got right on the back of Valentino and it was a good fight with him. I was actually going to attack him on the next lap when I had a problem entering the final corner on lap 25. I ran wide and lost out and although it wasn't the podium I wanted in front of my home crowd, I'm happy because I had the speed to come through the field and I had the speed to be on the podium. I couldn't quite finish the job and that was down to me.”

Satisfied in the knowledge of what he achieved with sixth, Spies concluded by adding: “I'd rather leave here knowing I could have been on the podium rather than leave here in eighth place and not on the pace. I can't ask for a lot more because I'm in the top six again, leading non-factory rider in the race again and putting up a strong fight, so I'm not too upset.”