And it is official! MotoGP team Suzuki Ecstar rider Maverick Vinales will be joining team Movistar Yamaha for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The factory team made the news official, what essentially had been an open rumour for a while now. Vinales will be stepping into the shoes of Jorge Lorenzo in Yamaha's garage and will be riding alongside Valentino Rossi, who was confirmed to be a part of the team for the next two seasons in March this year.
undefinedThank's to Suzuki @SUZUKIECSTAR for trust me in this 2 year and give the 100% to do the best results. I will... pic.twitter.com/HF7zRZ04ZK
— Maverick Viñales (@maverickmack25) May 19, 2016
Currently fifth in MotoGP Championship standings, Maverick Vinales made his World Championship debut in 2011 in the 125cc Class and has been one of the youngest riders on the MotoGP track in recent times. The 21-year-old's racing highlights include victory of the Moto World Championship in 2013, while he has won the 'Rookie of the Year' title in the 125cc class in 2011, Moto2 in 2014 and MotoGP in 2015.
Suzuki Ecstar released a statement on Vinales' departure that said, "All the Suzuki family is extremely grateful to Vinales for his contribution to the growth of the MotoGP project and the development of the GSX-RR, as well as for the great results they have achieved together. Since the 2016 season is still underway, Team Suzuki Ecstar and Suzuki Motor Corporation will continue their unconditioned support to Maverick, looking forward to even better results in the remaining MotoGP races. Suzuki wish all the best to Maverick Vinales for a bright and successful future."
Maverick Vinales has been replaced by Andrea Iannone in Suzuki Ecstar
As Vinales moves out of Suzuki's pit garage, the Japanese factory wasted no time in finding a replacement. As the team was aware of Vinales' decision post Le Mans, Suzuki's negotiations were quicker with Ducati rider Andrea Iannone, who was dropped in favour of Andrea Dovizioso. In a way, you could say that the circle is complete with Lorenzo moving to Ducati, Vinales to Yamaha and Iannone to Suzuki.
That said, Suzuki Ecstar is yet to announce its second rider for the 2017 season. It is possible that the team could recruit a rider from Moto2 to gear up on the other GSX-RR. Talking about the other teams, Repsol Honda announced recently its contract renewal with Dani Pedrosa for the next two seasons.
