Lorenzo signs new Yahama deal
Tuesday, 25 August 2009 16:16Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo will remain as Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team-mate at Yamaha in 2010 after signing a one-year contract extension on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old, who is currently second in the overall standings, 50 points behind the Italian, had been linked with a move to rivals Honda.
But Yamaha and the rider have finally reached agreement to stick with the same combination for next season.
'We are obviously delighted that Jorge has decided to stay at Yamaha for the next season and we hope that he will remain at Yamaha for many years to come,' said Yamaha Racing director Lin Jarvis.
'Jorge has shown his talent, his ability to learn and to compete at the highest level with many excellent performances in 2008 and 2009.
'We have no doubt that he has the ability and drive to become MotoGP World Champion and we are proud that he has decided to remain with Yamaha, despite having received some very serious approaches from some of our competitors.'
The announcement ends months of speculation over the future of the former world 250cc champion.
Rossi signed his current contract before the global recession and Lorenzo had hinted in July that the financial disparity between them had been part of the problem.
But Lorenzo said on Tuesday: 'I am very happy. Today is a good day because I have decided to remain with the Yamaha Factory Team in 2010.
'It was a very important decision and that's why I have had to take the last few weeks to make it, but I think that this is the best decision for me in this moment.'
Lorenzo started the season strongly with wins in Japan and France, but crashes during the rain-hit British Grand Prix and at the Czech Grand Prix have hampered his title bid.
