Wednesday AM: Spies sets quick time at MotoGP test

Ben Spies

American Ben Spies is enjoying his second day of MotoGP testing for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

The two-time defending AMA Superbike champion, second quickest on Tuesday, needed less than two hours today on his Suzuki to post the lowest lap time of any rider at 1 minute, 43.197 seconds.

According to Red Bull Rookies rider coach Kevin Schwantz, speaking in an informational news conference at the track late this morning, the times eventually will be quicker. Schwantz said the more tire rubber laid on the track, the better the bikes will grip.

Speaking with Spies in the garage before the test session began, Schwantz said one of the rider's goals for the day was to eclipse 200 mph on the IMS front straight. Suzuki engineers said the bikes topped out at about 190 mph Tuesday, Schwantz said.

Spies, who made his MotoGP debut earlier this season, has been granted entry in the two American races, at Indy and Monterey, Calif.

Italian test rider Niccolo Canepa, No. 1 the day before at 1:44.1756, is fourth out of six riders at 1:44.388 on his Ducati.

French test rider Jacque Olivier has jumped from third on Monday to second today on his Kawasaki with a quick lap of 1:43.999.

The weather is ideal for a second straight day with sunny skies and temperatures expected to climb into the lower 80s by early afternoon. Indy Star