Posted: 27 Jun 2011
Ben Spies has clinched his first 2011 MotoGP victory at the 26-lap race at Assen, The Netherlands this weekend. The Texan was able to turn his front row start into a lead on the first lap. At the chequered flag, the former World Superbike Champion and his special 50th anniversary M1 had a 7.6 second lead over second placed Casey Stoner.
Marco Simoncelli highsided on lap one while challenging Jorge Lorenzo for second place – taking him down in the process. However, Lorenzo was able to re-mount and charge through the pack to take sixth at the chequered flag. He is now 28 points from championship leader Stoner. Simoncelli finished ninth.