MotoGP rookie Ben Spies has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Yamaha to stay-on with the manufacturer’s team in 2012.

The American, who scored his first ever MotoGP podium last week-end in Catalunya, will continue to partner Jorge Lorenzo, and will be with the Japanese manufacturer when the 1000cc bikes will return to the grid.

Spies is currently in seventh place in the standings.