THE factory Yamaha MotoGP team and its rider Franco Morbidelli have confirmed that the Italian will be leaving the team at the end of this season.
Morbidelli has had a tough time in 2023, as has star rider Fabio Quartararo, and has struggled to bother the top order since his ride to the runner-up spot in the 2020 MotoGP championship. It’s not known where the Italian will ride in the 2024 championship, although Crash.net MotoGP editor Pete McLaren is pointing to potential postings at a satellite Ducati ride with either VR46 or Gresini.
The full statement on the Monster Yamaha website reads:
‘Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces that its partnership with Franco Morbidelli will be discontinued at the end of 2023 when Morbidelli will move on to new racing challenges.
‘Since Morbidelli joined Yamaha in 2019, the Italian achieved six podiums: three victories, one second, and two third places. He also claimed two pole positions and was MotoGP Vice World Champion in 2020. After a short break due to a knee injury during the 2021 season, Morbido made a comeback at the San Marino GP as part of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team. In total he contested 74 GPs as a Yamaha rider so far.
‘Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Racing, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are extremely grateful for Morbidelli’s contributions, never-diminishing motivation, and his positive mindset. They look forward to sharing more memorable moments during the remaining 12 MotoGP rounds of 2023.
‘Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. wishes Morbidelli the very best in his future racing endeavours and reconfirms Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s full support for him for the remainder of the season to end their partnership on a high note.’
