That's what Ducati Corse says but there are a couple of problems with that.
1. Even if the Junior team bikes are exactly the same as the factory bikes, it won't make a lick of difference in the factory bikes don't increase their competitiveness over last season. Ducati Corse has not increased their competitiveness since 2007.
2. If the factory bikes aren't up to snuff, the Junior bikes are probably not going to get updates as soon as the factory bikes do.
3. Who knows if/when the Junior bikes will get updates at all
Of course, who knows what Spies' options were. He said he was pursuing an opportunity with Gresini Honda but it sounds like he hadn't gotten an offer worked out when Ducati made their bid. I guess he took the bird in hand, which I can't blame him for, although I would've tried to get the Honda.
As far as Spies' riding style, he is one of the more aggressive riders but I don't think he rides like Stoner. If anything, Hayden rides more like Stoner (and Hayden has a flat track background like Stoner did) and he hasn't been able to win on the Ducati. I wish Spies the best but he's got a really tall task ahead of him next season.
