Lorenzo extends Yamaha contract

The former 250cc world champion had been rumoured to be ready to leave the team for Ducati in recent weeks, but Tuesday's announcement put an end to the speculation.

Lorenzo, currently second in the championship, will remain as Valentino Rossi's team-mate next season.

"I am very happy," said Lorenzo. "Today is a good day because I have decided to remain with the Yamaha Factory Team in 2010.

"It was a very important decision and that's why I have had to take the last few weeks to make it, but I think that this is the best decision for me in this moment.

"I want to thank Yamaha because they have always done everything that they have promised, and I especially would like to say thank you to Lin Jarvis and Masao Furusawa."

Team boss Lin Jarvis added: "We are obviously delighted that Jorge has decided to stay at Yamaha for the next season and we hope that he will remain at Yamaha for many years to come. Jorge has shown his talent, his ability to learn and to compete at the highest level with many excellent performances in 2008 and 2009.

"We have no doubt that he has the ability and drive to become MotoGP World Champion and we are proud that he has decided to remain with Yamaha, despite having received some very serious approaches from some of our competitors.

"This timely decision now allows us to focus on the present championship, where our riders are currently first and second, and to make definitive plans for our 2010 MotoGP program."