Motegi MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo signs new Yamaha deal

Jorge Lorenzo has agreed a new two-year year deal with Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad.

Protracted negotiations have finally been resolved and the Spaniard has confirmed he will partner Texan Ben Spies on a factory YZR-M1 machine next season.

The announcement made earlier today at the Twin Ring Motegi comes as little surprise with Lorenzo having no alternative options at Honda or Ducati.

He has spent his entire MotoGP career with Yamaha having joined MotoGP as reigning 250GP in 2008.

He’s won seven races in 2010 and is red-hot favourite to win his first MotoGP crown in 2010 as he holds a commanding 56-point lead over injured rival Dani Pedrosa with just five races remaining.

The 23-year-old said: “My first choice was always to stay here with Yamaha and I am very glad that this will happen. I feel happy here; I have good people around me, a strong relationship with Yamaha and a great bike.

“I want to say thanks again to Lin Jarvis, who has always supported me. Now we are focused on winning the championship but I am already excited about next season. I know that Ben and I can do a great job for Yamaha and I want to thank them for their belief in me.”

Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Lin Jarvis said, “We are extremely happy that we have reached an agreement with Jorge to remain a factory Yamaha rider for 2011 and 2012.

“Since he joined three years ago he has made great progress and has improved himself every year to go from fourth place and ‘best rookie’ in 2008, to second place in 2009, to challenging for the MotoGP championship title in 2010.

“I am particularly pleased to finally get the agreement in place here in Japan because it will now enable Jorge to focus all of his efforts and concentration in the coming weeks to try to secure his first MotoGP class rider’s title.

“Being only 23 years old I believe Jorge has a long career ahead of him and hopefully he can win many world titles with Yamaha.

“Jorge will be joined by Ben Spies in the Factory Team next year and with these two exceptionally talented hungry young riders we will start the 2011 season with the most exciting and competitive team in the paddock.”