Lin Jarvis announced Franco Morbidelli alongside Fabio Quartararo this summer and now the situation has become official on the eve of the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano. A regularization of the situation which brings an additional element however: a lease fixed until the end of 2023.
Yamaha race director, Lynn Jarvis, had already confirmed it orally at Silverstone, and, just in time for the return of last year's MotoGP vice-world champion Franco Morbidelli to Misano, the written notification follows Misano.
Starting this weekend, Franco Morbidelli will take his place alongside the leader of the world championship Fabio Quartararo in the Monster Energy Yamaha team MotoGP. His contract is scheduled until the end of 2023.
« First of all, we would like to thank Petronas Yamaha SRT for allowing Franky to realize his dream and promoting him to the factory team ahead of schedule. We had originally planned to do it from 2022, but after the sudden lineup change in the middle of the season, the opportunity presented itself earlier”, said Lynn Jarvis, general manager of Yamaha Motor Racing, referring to the departure of Maverick Vinales.
« Next, I would like to welcome Franky. He is an extraordinary talent, who built on last year with the title of vice-champion, five podiums and three victories on the satellite Yamaha “, emphasized Jarvis. “ This shows what kind of driver he is: someone who is committed to getting the best out of the M1 in all circumstances. ».
After an injury break of almost three months, the three-time MotoGP winner is now expected to gradually return to form and familiarize himself with his new team and the current factory-spec machine. “ We are confident that a capable, calm and experienced man like Franky will strengthen the Yamaha factory team and that we will celebrate great successes in the future ", said Jarvis already looking towards 2022 and 2023.
Franco Morbidelli will reunite with Fabio Quartararo and reciprocally
« I'm looking forward to this weekend and the long awaited new chapter with the Yamaha factory team “, enthused “Franky”, who had undergone surgery on the cruciate ligaments and meniscus of his left knee before the Dutch TT on June 25. “ I tried to recover as much as possible for the final phase of this season and I wanted to make my return to a track that I know well and where I have good memories ". Indeed, last year, the 2 Moto2017 World Champion achieved his first victory in the premier class during the home match at the Misano World Circuit.
« I can't wait to jump on the bike and start my journey with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team. Of course, I want to thank everyone who made this possible, starting with Ito-san, Lin, Maio, Sumi-san and the VR46 Riders Academy », concluded the model student Red of 26 years.
