Ducati Xerox's Michel Fabrizio believes Ben Spies' remarkable start to life in the FIM World Superbike Championship has more to do with the American's Yamaha bike than his prowess in the saddle.
Spies has taken WSB by storm in his debut campaign, winning three of the first four races of 2009 to sit second in the championship, 10 points behind the consistent Noriyuki Haga, Fabrizio's factory Ducati team-mate.
The form of the Yamaha rider has led some to claim the title is already destined to end up in his hands, but Fabrizio warned Spies is unlikely to have it all his own way over the course of the season.
"More than by the rider, I'm impressed by the bike," Fabrizio told the official World Superbike website. "The Yamaha looks really strong and seems very easy to take to the limit.
"But there are still a number of tracks where the Ducati will show its true worth."
Fabrizio's start to the season has been in stark contrast to his team-mate.
While Haga has racked up four podium finishes - three seconds and a win - at the opening two rounds, Fabrizio is still searching for his first top-three finish of the year.
The Italian insists, however, that he remains in with a shout in the title race.
"He [Haga] hasn't done anything extraordinary so far but has been very good at not making any errors and accumulating as many points as possible," Fabrizio added.
"He has adapted well to the Ducati and has come away well from these two rounds. Nori and Spies are favourites for the title more than before but it's still wide open."
source:FIM
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