Image: Russell Colvin.

Italian Franco Morbidelli will remain at Petronas Yamaha SRT for the next two MotoGP World Championship seasons after signing a contract extension through 2022.

Morbidelli first joined the Malaysian team in 2019 for its first year in MotoGP with the support of Yamaha, now set to continue that partnership for a further couple of years.

“I’m very pleased to be renewing with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team as we had such a great season together last year, working with a great drive to achieve success,” Morbidelli said. “I think it’s important for me to continue with the same team, bike and environment going forward as it feels great to work with them.

“We all work well together and it’s great fun to work with all the Petronas SRT crew. I want to thank them for this opportunity that they are giving me as it’s such an honour to ride for them. I will be working hard to give them even more and even better results than we achieved in our first year together.”

Last year saw Morbidelli earn four front row starts and claim seven top-six finishes aboard the YZR-M1. In addition, he was also vital in helping to secure the 2019 Top Independent Team honours for Petronas Yamaha SRT, finishing 10th in the riders championship.

Petronas Yamaha SRT owner Razlan Razali added: “We are delighted to confirm that Franky will continue with us next year. He is an extremely talented rider and a great asset to the team as we look to build on our rookie season. Franky was always in our plans for the future, so it is beneficial for us and him to be able to confirm that he will ride for us in 2021 and 2022 now.

“Franky has the potential to reach the top step of the podium and this is what we’ll all be working hard to achieve. We are confident that Franky has what it takes to be competitive from Jerez and know that he will develop and mature in all areas through the years ahead. Franky will provide the team with stability and competitiveness and we can’t wait to be back on track!”