MotoGP News: Yamaha Announces Two-Year Contract Extension With Key Rider

Yamaha has extended the contract of MotoGP rider Alex Rins for two years.

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Augusto Fernandez (37) of Spain and Red Bull Tech3 GASGAS and Fabio Quartararo (20) of France and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rides during the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Yamaha has confirmed a two-year contract extension with MotoGP rider Alex Rins ahead of the British Grand Prix, securing his talents through the end of the 2026 season.

Rins, who replaced the underperforming Franco Morbidelli at the start of the 2024 season, has shown promise in his inaugural year with Yamaha. Despite a major crash at Assen causing him to miss the previous round in Germany, he has scored points in half of the eight Grands Prix this season. His resurgence comes at a pivotal moment, just as he has been declared fit to compete at Silverstone, bolstering Yamaha's lineup.

The renewal marks a significant step in Yamaha's efforts, driven by a need to bridge the gap with top European manufacturers like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. Under the new concession system, Rins's role is pivotal in developing the Yamaha M1 motorcycle, aiming to elevate Yamaha back to the pinnacle of MotoGP success.

Álex Rins commented on the contract extension, as quoted by Motorsport:

"I'm very happy to continue working with Yamaha for two more years, and I want to thank the team and the management in Iwata for their trust in me. 

"We have a clear goal, to bring Yamaha where it belongs, and that's to fight for championships. Since the first minute, I have seen Yamaha's willingness to improve and how they are putting in all the resources to reach that objective. 

"As a result, and thanks to our work, we have made some important steps this season heading in that direction, and we want to continue that way in the following years. I'm delighted to keep bringing my experience in MotoGP and work ethic to a team that has proved to be pushing very hard all together and that will continue doing so."

Lin Jarvis, Yamaha MotoGP boss, also commented:

"We are delighted to announce that Álex Rins will continue as a Yamaha factory rider for a further two years.

"We have clearly stated that we have a strong desire and intent to return to the top again in the MotoGP championship. To achieve that goal, we have already recruited new staff, changed our internal organisation structures, and expanded our external technical partnerships. 

"We have additionally committed to expand our presence in 2025 with an independent second Factory Team and now it is time to ensure that we have the riders we want to achieve the results we, and they, crave for. Álex signing on for two more years is an important part of our plan for the MotoGP Project. 

"Álex is not only a very talented and fast rider, but he is also technically savvy, a hard worker, and a real team player. The collaboration between Álex and Fabio gives Yamaha the confidence that together they can strengthen the bike development project."