MotoGP: Franco Morbidelli and Yamaha to part ways at the end of 2023

What was just a rumour until a few hours ago is now official - Franco Morbidelli and Yamaha will go their separate way at the end of 2023, putting an end to a partnership that began in 2019, first in Petronas colours and then in a factory capacity, and one that has resulted in six podiums and three race wins.

Franco Morbidelli: Lin Jarvis’ farewell

“First and foremost, I want to thank Franky for his hard work and dedication ever since he started with the factory team and also long before that when he was a satellite rider for Yamaha”, states Lin Jarvis, Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing “The Yamaha and Morbidelli partnership led to some great results, including an outstanding vice-champion title in 2020”.

“It’s a shame that the last two years didn‘t play out the way we both wanted and hoped for”, continues Jarvis. “We discussed the possibilities to continue our partnership, but ultimately we decided that 2024 would be a moment to make a change, both for Yamaha and for Franky. The team will proceed to fully support Franky in every way we can to close out our time spent together in the best possible way.”

Rumour has it that Morbidelli is headed to Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR Honda team, though this is still to be confirmed.