PORTIMAO, Portugal (Nov. 4, 2008) Three-time American Superbike Champion Ben Spies completed his first day of testing Tuesday on the factory Yamaha R1 World Superbike machine at the Autodromo Internacional Algarve. Spies was encouraged by the performance and handling of the Yamaha, in spite of the fact that the machine is still very early in its development. “I got a bit of time on both the ’08 and ’09 models,” Spies said. “Both bikes were good. The new bike”¦ well I’m under orders not to say too much about it” He said with a big smile, “But I can say that the sound from it is pretty amazing. It sounds a lot like Yamaha’s M1 MotoGP bike. Spies was happy with the progress made in his short time at the Portimao circuit. His lap times were the top of the session Tuesday and just a few tenths from the times of the leading World Superbike riders turned in during the race weekend. Spies was also getting used to the World Superbike spec Pirelli tires. “The tires were very consistent and gave me really good feedback.” As for the new circuit in Portugal, Spies was thrilled. “This track is one of the nicest, if not the nicest racing circuit I’ve ridden,” Spies commented. “I would describe it as a bigger, faster version of Barber [Motorsports Park]. It has a good combination of high-speed and more technical corner combinations. I’m very much looking forward to coming back here to race next year.” It will be a busy off season for Spies as he prepares for the March 1, 2009, World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island in Australia. “There’s a lot to do this winter,” Spies admitted. “I’m going to Italy to look at properties to rent. I’ll also spend a lot of time at Yamaha’s racing shop to get to know everyone. I haven’t even looked at the testing schedule yet, but I’m sure that’s going to keep me busy as well. I’m also going to step up my training to even higher levels. That’s what it’s going to take to be able to come out here and be competitive in World Superbike.” In addition to his on-track activities, Spies recently learned that he was nominated for the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year Award. Spies was also honored to find that the new motorcycle training manual for the U.S. military has his photo on the cover.