Yamaha: Essential to keep Jorge Lorenzo beyond 2014

Re-signing Jorge Lorenzo will be Yamaha’s number one future priority, with the Japanese factory fearing rivals Honda will try and tempt the reigning world champion into a Spanish super team with Marc Marquez in 2015.

The double MotoGP world champion has been the only rider on a YZR-M1 to consistently challenge Honda recently and although Valentino Rossi is back at Yamaha, it is Lorenzo that remains its most valuable on-track asset.

He proved that again recently at Silverstone with a sensational last gasp victory over Marquez to claim his fourth win of an injury-hit campaign.

Lorenzo has not raced for any other factory since he moved to MotoGP in 2008 but HRC are long-time admirers of the 26-year-old, who came close to moving to Repsol Honda a year ago when it was clear Casey Stoner was retiring.

It is rumoured that Yamaha is already in negotiations with Lorenzo for 2015 and ’16 to try and take him out of the market.

Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis refused to confirm that talks are underway but he said he fully expected a fresh approach from HRC, with all top riders out of contract at the end of next season.

Jarvis told MCN: “We recognise the value of Jorge and he is still in my mind the most complete rider in MotoGP.  Marc is probably the most exciting rider but he is just beginning his career and he is doing that sensationally. Of course we would like to keep Jorge although we know that Honda like to dominate and I wouldn’t be surprised that Honda would like to take Marc and Jorge.”

The onus will now be on Yamaha to develop a YZR-M1 machine that is capable of beating Honda’s RC213V to convince Lorenzo to stay.

Jarvis added: “I think Jorge will want to wait to check the level of Honda and Yamaha in the early races of 2014.  Then we will see if he has confidence in Yamaha’s direction, investment and ability to develop the bike and be competitive and challenge for wins. Our target of developing the bike is not to persuade Jorge to sign but to win races and the championship. If we win this year’s championship we will be in a better position no matter whether it is Lorenzo, Rossi or anyone else.”