MotoGP: Franco Morbidelli confirmed to Factory Yamaha until 2023
Franco Morbidelli has been officially confirmed as a factory Yamaha rider until 2023.
Franco Morbidelli has been officially confirmed to move to the Factory Yamaha MotoGP team for 2022 and 2023, originally he was planned to move to the team in 2023 but after Maverick Vinales exited the team prematurely it has opened the door for Morbidelli to step in.
2017 Moto2 World Champion and 2020 MotoGP runner-up Morbidelli will get a well-deserved promotion into the factory team following a stellar 2020 season which saw him take second place in the championship on an outdated M1 with a three-race wins to his name.
This move also ensures the services of Morbidelli in the factory Yamaha MotoGP team for the remainder of 2021 in the Monster Energy colours, reuniting with Petronas SRT teammate Fabio Quartararo.
Lin Jarvis, Yamaha Motor Racing: “First of all, we want to thank PETRONAS Yamaha SRT for allowing Franky to make his dream come true and letting him step up to the Factory team ahead of schedule. Originally, we had planned for Franky to move up from 2022 on, but following a sudden rider line-up change mid-season, we had the chance to let him upgrade early.
Franco Morbidelli, Yamaha MotoGP Rider: “I’m very pleased and happy about facing this weekend and this highly anticipated new chapter with the Factory Yamaha team. 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.”
Featured image – Yamaha
“Secondly, I want to give a warm welcome to Franky. He is an exceptional talent. This was even further highlighted last year when he secured second place in the championship and achieved five podiums and three wins on the satellite Yamaha. It shows the type of rider that he is: committed to extracting the best from the YZR-M1 under all circumstances.
“Naturally, we’re thrilled that Franky will be back in the paddock and that he is well enough to start racing again. He will have to find his form gradually, in line with his physical improvements, as he is still recovering. We will be using the remainder of 2021 to get him settled in the team and comfortable on the bike.
“We have already locked down our plans for 2022 and 2023, with Franky receiving full Factory backing from Yamaha Motor Company. We feel certain that a skilled, calm, and experienced rider like Franky will strengthen the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team and will enjoy great success in the future.”