Vinales with Yamaha until 2020

Spanish Yamaha Rider Maverick Vinales has signed with Yamaha until the end of 2020.

He spent 2 years with Suzuki after winning the 2013 Moto3 Championship, as he then signed with Yamaha at the end of 2016.

The original deal was supposed to end around the finish of this season, but on Wednesday he announced that he ride with the team until the end of the 2020 season.

In the 2017 season the 23 year old took his first two race wins with Yamaha, but couldn't maintain a title challenge finishing third overall.

“The reasons [for re-signing] are because I feel very good inside the team, I feel the competitiveness, and especially I felt the desire to win,” Vinales said.

“It’s something I like, it’s something I want.

“We arrive at a really good compromise, and I think for both it’ll be really special and good.

“Thanks to Yamaha, because they always make my dreams come true.”

His Italian Team-mate Valentino Rossi is also on a 2-year deal running until the end of this season, and is yet to extend his contract.

Team boss Lin Jarvis said in October he didn't expect Rossi to get a contract extension early this year, and believes the 38 year-old will take up until the Mugello race weekend to decide if he wants to continue MotoGP.