Movistar Yamaha’s Maverick Viñales is the first card to fall in what is expected to be a manic silly season, having inked another two-year deal with the factory Yamaha squad to see him through to the end of 2020.

“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,” the Spanish star said. “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.” His teammate Valentino Rossi, who will turn 39 in February, said he’s in “no rush” to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the 2018 season.

Vinales, Sepang MotoGP tests, January 2018