The news everyone was waiting for has arrived: Yamaha has officially announced that its contract with Jorge Lorenzo will conclude at the end of the season. The Majorcan made his debut in MotoGP with the Japanese manufacturer in 2008 and in 9 years together he has won (up until now) three world titles (in 2010, 2012 and 2015), 41 races and has reached the podium in 99 of 141 Grand Prix.
Here is Yamaha's statement:
"Yamaha is extremely grateful for Jorge's contributions to its racing successes and looks forward to sharing more memorable moments during the remaining 15 MotoGP rounds of 2016, their ninth season together.
"Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. wishes Lorenzo the very best in his future racing endeavours and reconfirms the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team's full support on his campaign to achieve his fourth MotoGP title.
"Having already reconfirmed Valentino Rossi for 2017-18, Yamaha will announce the future Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team riders' line-up in due course after securing the services of the second rider."