Franco Morbidelli makes way for Alex Rins

Yamaha, the statement

Yamaha announces that its partnership with Franco Morbidelli will end at the end of 2023. Since 2019, the 28-year-old Roman has earned six podiums: three wins, one second and two third places. He can also boast two pole positions and was vice world champion in 2020. After a short break due to a knee injury during the 2021 season, Morbido returned to the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in the San Marino GP. In total, he has put together 74 races in Yamaha so far.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Racing, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are extremely grateful for Morbidelli’s contribution, his continued motivation, and his ever-positive way of thinking, looking forward to sharing more memorable moments during the remaining 12 MotoGP races of 2023,” the statement read. Yamaha wishes Morbidelli the best in his future racing endeavors, confirming total support for him in the remaining races of the season, to end the partnership on a high note.

Already official replacement: “Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the signing of Alex Rins. He will join the team for the 2024 MotoGP season along with Fabio Quartararo. The Spaniard’s tremendous experience between wins (6x MotoGP, 4x Moto2, 8x Moto3, 18 in total) and podiums (18x MotoGP, 17x Moto2, 23x Moto3, 58 in total) and obvious talent is an important addition to the Yamaha team. After his leg injury suffered in the Sprint GP in Italy in 2023, MotoGP fans are looking forward to seeing him back in action. He has had two surgeries and is working hard to recover 100 percent.”