Yamaha has confirmed that Maverick Vinales will remain with the team in MotoGP through 2020, the Spaniard becoming the first major player in the rider market to settle his future.
The 2013 Moto3 World Champion stepped up to the premier class in 2015 with Suzuki, and became the Japanese marque's first race winner since 2007 when he guided his GSX-RR to victory at Silverstone in 2016.
Signed by Yamaha for two years as Jorge Lorenzo's replacement early in 2016, Vinales managed three victories in his first year with the team and secured third in the standings.
Speaking at the team's launch presentation for its 2018 season, it was confirmed that Vinales had agreed a two-year extension with Yamaha, making him the first factory rider to secure a seat for 2019.
"I‘m really happy that Yamaha and I have extended our contract by two more years," he said.
"It‘s great for me and the team that we were able to make this announcement this early on, because it gives us a sense of calm: we know that I will continue riding my M1 for the coming three seasons, so now we can just focus on the actual racing.
"I‘m very satisfied with this decision. I have a lot of belief in the team and in Yamaha and I‘m happy that they feel the same way. I want to thank Yamaha for their vote of confidence, and also the fans, who are always supporting us.
"We will continue to work hard. We will be pushing to the maximum at all the Grands Prix and I look forward to three more incredible seasons together!"
Vinales' team-mate Valentino Rossi enters the final year of his current deal with Yamaha, with the Italian set to decide whether or not he will continue in the sport after 2018 following the first handful of races.
Earlier in the week, Rossi's countryman Danilo Petrucci confirmed he would be leaving the Pramac Ducati team as he seeks a factory ride for 2019.
