Having been demoted to the role of spectator for the last seven races, Ben Spies is more than eager to return to the race track as the season continues at Indianapolis.

As witnessed in motogp.com video feature An Uphill Struggle: The 2013 Ben Spies Journey, the American injured his left shoulder in the Malaysian Grand Prix crash which prematurely terminated his 2012 season. Another heavy blow in practice for this season’s Qatari event did little to assist his recovery, whereas immense pain with a pectoral muscle forced him to miss all races after Texas.

Having adapted a recovery process of ‘six-day weeks’, the 29-year-old is now desperate to return.

“We needed to follow the doctors’ orders and do what they actually said,” Spies laughs. “I am going to be 100% at Indy and I am just getting ready. I’m feeling good…it’s the first time I haven’t really been in pain and I am looking forward to getting back on the bike. The start of my season is at Indy.”

An Uphill Struggle: The 2013 Ben Spies Journey can now be watched on motogp.com.