MANILA, Philippines -- The MotoGP paddock heads to North America this weekend for the second of the two US rounds of the 2011 MotoGP Championship.

The legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host round 12 of the Championship, the second home race for Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies.

The 2010 Indianapolis event became a feat of endurance for the MotoGP riders with track temperatures reaching 50 degrees over qualifying and race day. The sweltering conditions raised grip issues across the grid and the heat was physically exhausting for the riders. 



George Lorenzo struggled over the entire weekend to find a perfect set up for the difficult conditions last year, enduring the heat to finally deliver a well-earned podium finish with third in the race. The World Champion started from second on the grid just behind Spies.

Lorenzo has a good record at the circuit, claiming victory in 2009 and his first-ever wet podium in 2008. 


Despite the conditions MotoGP rookie Spies enjoyed his most successful race of the year at Indianapolis in 2010. The Texan rider took a scorching maiden pole position start from future team mate Lorenzo and converted it into a season best finish of second on race day, his first MotoGP podium. 



With 257,000 permanent seats the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world and fills to capacity for its flagship events, the Indy 500 and Allstate 400 car races.

Originally constructed in 1909 with a 2.5-mile oval, an exciting 16-turn motorcycle road circuit, which includes part of the historic oval, was purpose-built for MotoGP.

The circuit was resurfaced earlier this year, improving the grip levels considerably for the riders. 

As part of Yamaha’s 50th Anniversary of Grand Prix racing celebrations, Yamaha Factory Racing will again run the special red-and-white livery.