Lorenzo Moves to Ducati After 8 Years Stint With Yamaha

It’s official! Lorenzo is moving to Ducati. In a statement given out by Ducati Corse, the Italian factory racing team confirms that the Spaniard has signed a contract with them for Championship season 2017 and 2018. Lorenzo has not yet given a reason for quitting Yamaha after 8 years of relationship (2016 will be his 9th).

This is not the first time that Yamaha racing is losing a rider to Ducati. Valentino, who recently signed a two year contract with them, left for the Italian team in 2011, only to return to the Japanese side in 2013. It is still not clear as to who would be Jorge Lorenzo’s partner in crime at Ducati with both riders Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso in good form this year (despite the crashes).

Lorenzo Ducati

After just three races this year, it is a no brainer that the Ducatis are the fastest in the grid when it comes to straight line acceleration. A mature championship winner like Lorenzo can actually do wonders for the team, taking them in a new direction. Lorenzo has gifted Yamaha their last three world titles (2010, 2012 and 2015) in the pinnacle championship series. In his 138 starts he has won 41 races, reached the podium 99 times out of the 141 races he has participated so far.

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Valentino’s future team mate is also another interesting question with strong rumours suggesting 2013 Moto 3 winner and present Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales taking up the spot. It is still not known why Lorenzo is leaving Yamaha, however, the unholy Sepang clash between Valentino and Marquez in which his name was sadly dragged by angry fans may have played a significant role.

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Well, can Luigi Dall’Igna and Lorenzo pull off a fast one here with whom he has already won in the 250 cc class with Aprilia?