MotoGP: Lorenzo and Yamaha confirm new agreement

Published Aug. 7, 2014 11:08 a.m. ET

Samuel Reiman

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo will continue on with the Factory Yamaha team for two more years, it was announced Thursday in a press release by the team.

This means that the rider lineups for the dominant Repsol Honda and Movistar Yamaha teams we have seen from 2013 and 2014 will continue in 2015 and 2016, with Marc Marquez (Honda), Dani Pedrosa (Honda), Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) and now Lorenzo all having confirmed two-year extensions.

"I am very happy to finally be able to make this announcement," said Lorenzo. "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."

Lorenzo has been with Yamaha since he entered the premiere division of MotoGP in 2008, winning championships for the team in 2010 and 2012.

"I am very happy we have reached an agreement for Jorge to continue as a Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider," said Lin Jarvis, the Managing Director for Yamaha Motor Racing. "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 percent of his energy on the remaining races."

Jorge Lorenzo got off to a very difficult to the start of the 2014 MotoGP season, crashing out from the lead on the opening lap at Qatar and then jumping the start at the next round at the Circuit of the Americas. However, since then the Spaniard has been able to rally his way back up towards fifth in the points.

"This season has been very challenging after a difficult start," admitted Lorenzo, "however, we will continue to take it race by race, giving 100 percent 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 racing."

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