More contract news came from Aprilia, where current rider Aleix Espargaro has also signed on for another two years, to the end of 2020.
“I am really pleased,” the Spaniard said. “In nine years in MotoGP I have not been with any team for more than two years. This will give me stability.”
While the latest Aprilia has shown a big improvement, good race results have been lacking, with a single top-ten in Texas, and three non-finishes.
“We have had some problems with the new engine,” he admitted. “But I think we have shown good potential.”
Team-mate Scott Redding is another who will be out of contract at the end of this season; along with fellow-Briton Bradley Smith.
Aleix Espargaro, French MotoGP 2018