Hervé Poncharal is the boss of a Tech3 team which, in 30 years of career at the highest level, has seen drivers pass through the box. While taking stock of this contingent, the one who is also the President of the IRTA teams association focused on one in particular. Which ? He is American and his career looked promising. However…
Hervé Poncharal no longer counts the drivers who have passed through his box. But the memory of one is particularly etched in his memory. It is Ben Spies. The Frenchman explains: “ Ben Spies was incredible. Throughout the year he showed us incredible things “, he remembers, even admitting: “ I am very sad and very hurt that he did not have a better career in MotoGP ».
Coming from an AMA Superbike that he dominated, he was promised to the brand Suzuki with whom he had completed three Grands Prix as a guest or substitute. However, despite the support of his compatriot Kevin schwantz, he had to give up the GSV-R to fall back on Yamaha . The brand was initially delighted since Ben Spies brought him a WSBK title in his first appearance at this level. A consecration opening the doors to MotoGP for him.
Because at the time a beginner could not directly join an official team, he spent his first season with Tech3 in 2010. Then he moved into the factory structure in 2011. In 55 races he has one victory at Assen and five podiums. He also suffered from comparison with Jorge Lorenzo then injuries to a right shoulder made him lose track. Like his aura at Yamaha.
He then tried to bounce back with Ducati at Pramac. A failure, always with injuries, for an epilogue almost in anonymity, in 2013.
