YAMAHA PROMOTES MORBIDELLI, SIGNS DOVIZIOSO

Yamaha has secured its rider line-up into next season following the sudden departure of Maverick Vinales to Aprilia.

Ahead of the next MotoGP round in San Marino, the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that Franco Morbidelli will be promoted to the factory Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad, while Andrea Dovizioso will return to MotoGP competition with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. Both on multi-year deals.

Returning from injury, Morbidelli has sat out the last five rounds following surgery on his knee and will return in different colours having signed on to complete the rest of the season (as well as 2022 and 2023) with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP squad.

“I’m very pleased and happy about facing this weekend and this highly anticipated new chapter with the Factory Yamaha team.” said Morbidelli.

“I’ve been trying to recover as much as possible for the final stage of this championship. I wanted to make my comeback at a track I know well and have great memories of, like Misano.”

“I’m looking forward to jumping on the bike and starting my journey with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. Of course, I need and I want to thank all the people who made this happen, starting with Ito-san, Lin, Maio, Sumi-san, the VR46 Riders Academy, and all other people who made this collaboration possible.”

Morbidelli will be reunited with former teammate Fabio Quartararo who was also promoted to the factory squad at the end of last season and currently leads the MotoGP standings with a 53-point advantage over his closest rival.

Replacing Morbidelli at Yamaha‘s satellite team will be Dovizioso who has spent the start of this season on the sidelines having parted ways with Ducati after eight years with the manufacturer at the end of last season.

“Racing with Yamaha has always been my dream, and that’s why when the opportunity arrived I did not think twice, although I know it’s going to be a tough challenge for me.” said Dovizioso.

“I’ve got many things ahead of me to learn: a new bike, a new team, a new working system. It‘s a big challenge that starts at Misano, my home GP. This makes it even more exciting. I can’t wait to be aboard my M1!”

Dovizioso will make his debut with the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team at his home event and will continue with the squad next season.

Having been called in as last-minute replacements Cal Crutchlow will now return to his role as Yamaha’s test and reserve rider, while Jake Dixon is expected to return to his Moto2 for the remainder of the season.

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