Vinales Could Ride Alongside Rossi In 2017 MotoGP Season

Maverick Vinales is the hottest property in the MotoGP paddock as of now. Like several other riders, his contract will be expiring at the end of the 2016 Championship. Now there is an increasing possibility that Vinales could replace Jorge Lorenzo at Movistar Yamaha.

Yamaha acknowledges that the longer Lorenzo takes to renew his contract, the chance reduces. Jorge Lorenzo was offered a similar contract, which was offered to teammate and rival Valentino Rossi. So far, Lorenzo has neither confirmed or declined Yamaha's offer.

Ducati is apparently offering Lorenzo a much more lucrative offer. The Italian manufacturer has confirmed that they want a World Champion at the helm for next year. Apart from Jorge Lorenzo the only other MotoGP World Champion on track currently is Marc Marquez.

Vinales' contract ends in 2016, however, there is an option to extend for one more year. It is unclear whether Suzuki or Vinales has control over the option. Maverick Vinales has so far impressed all in the opening rounds by pushing both the Suzuki and Michelin tyres to its limits and beyond.

There are rumours that Ducati and Jorge Lorenzo are expected to make an announcement ahead of the Jerez GP. We believe Lorenzo wants to prove to the world that he is the best MotoGP rider. The Spaniard wants to ride for Ducati and prove to all that he can win on a bike that Rossi could not master.