PYSRT, Dorna in talks on contract extension

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (PYSRT) are in talks with Dorna Sports, the exclusive television and commercial rights holder for World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP), to extend their contract until 2026.

Team principal Datuk Razlan Razali said the team were on the verge of finalising their contract with Dorna to enable them to compete in the MotoGP in the next five years, as the existing contract will expire at the end of this year.

“With Dorna it’s very clear cut; I have in hand a five-year contract extension from 2022 to 2026. We are only waiting for other matters like Yamaha, who made us an offer last December.

“So, we will continue discussion with them from (test and racing at Losail Circuit) Qatar and maybe we can settle and sign the five-year contract,” he told Bernama.

The Malaysian team made their debut in the premium class competition in 2019 after signing a three-year contract with Dorna and machine supplier Yamaha.

PYSRT emerged as the Top Independent Team and fourth best team overall, with Fabio Quartararo snatching the Rookie of the Year and Top Independent Rider awards, in their first ever MotoGP apearance in 2019.

Last season the team kept up their good showing when Franco Morbidelli finished second in the world championships, while the team again won the Top Independent Team title, apart from chalking up six race victories - three each by Quartararo and Morbidelli.

For this year, PYSRT are fielding the combination of Morbidelli and his mentor Valentino Rossi, a seven-time world MotoGP champion.