Yamaha has officially announced that three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo will join its testing team in 2020.
Following his retirement from the MotoGP field, the Spanish rider will once again ride a Yamaha YZR-M1, albeit non-competitively.
Lorenzo will begin his new role at the shakedown test in Sepang, Malaysia next week, and will also take part in other official and private Yamaha tests throughout the year.
According to Yamaha, Lorenzo is well positioned to help develop the MotoGP racebike, thanks in part to his smooth riding style and ability to give clear feedback.
Reports from MotoGP suggest that no wild card race opportunities are planned for Lorenzo in 2020, but Yamaha is open to the possibility.
“I’m very happy with the decision to join the Yamaha Factory Test Team,” said Lorenzo.
“I was always planning on staying involved in MotoGP and returning to the paddock, and I think this is a suitable role for me. I know the team and the M1 well.
“The Yamaha really suited my riding style, and it will be very interesting to ’meet up with my old bike again.”
?? “I’m very happy to announce I just signed an agreement with Yamaha to join their Test Team. I want to do my best for Yamaha’s future, and I hope my riding experience will be helpful to engineers and riders to bring the title back to Yamaha.” pic.twitter.com/sa5wewSNPy
— Jorge Lorenzo (@lorenzo99) January 30, 2020
Jorge Lorenzo had his final MotoGP race with Respol Honda in November of last year.
The news follows the announcement that Fabio Quartararo will replace Valentino Rossi in the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team in 2021.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
