Lorenzo confirms future plans and signs two year deal with Yamaha

Jorge Lorenzo has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Movistar Yamaha team that will see the double MotoGP champion staying with his current employers until 2016. Lorenzo is the last big name in the paddock to confirm his plans for the future.

The announcement came during preparations for this weekend’s Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix that will see the Spaniard’s partnership with the Japanese manufacturer extending from seven to nine years and the Movistar Yamaha Team are intent on working towards a third title with Lorenzo. Lorenzo will continue to partner teammate Valentino Rossi who has already signed a new deal with Yamaha.

I am very happy to finally be able to make this announcement. It is a relief to be able to now completely focus on the remainder of the 2014 season

Jorge Lorenzo

Speaking at the announcement, team boss Lin Jarvis was very happy with the contract renewal and has no doubt in Lorenzo’s ability to take another title. He said, “I am very happy we have reached an agreement for Jorge to continue as a Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider. The new agreement extends Jorge’s seven-year partnership with Yamaha. He started with us as a rookie back in 2008 and together we achieved many great results including 31 GP victories and two MotoGP Rider World Champion titles in 2010 and 2012. The 2014 season has been a tough one for Jorge so far but I am hoping that the confirmation of this new agreement will give him the peace of mind to be able to focus 100% of his energy on the remaining races.

Last year we saw what he was able to do when the going was tough and he was fighting back from mid-season injuries so we know that the potential is there for a strong second half to the 2014 season. For 2015 and beyond we have no doubt that Jorge will be a strong title contender and we will do our very best to provide him with the materials and the support he needs to be able to realize our shared ambitions,” Mr Jarvis added.

Despite a difficult first half of this year’s championship with Lorenzo in an uncharacteristic 5^th place and a whopping 128 points behind leader Marc Marquez, Lorenzo said the new contract is exactly what he needs to focus on improving in the second half of this year. "I am very happy to finally be able to make this announcement,” said Lorenzo who continued, “It is a relief to be able to now completely focus on the remainder of the 2014 season in the knowledge that our relationship will continue for the next two seasons. It has always been my wish to continue my career with Yamaha; I strongly believe we can fight for a third title together.

This season has been very challenging after a difficult start, however we will continue to take it race by race, giving 100% until Valencia. I want to thank Yamaha for their continued belief in me and all the Yamaha fans around the world who continue to support me. After the summer break I’m excited to be back at Indy with my team and focused again on riding,” Lorenzo added.