MotoGP: Maverick Vinales to replace Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha

Vinales (left) had his first MotoGP podium finish when he was third in France behind winner Lorenzo (right) this month

Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales will replace reigning MotoGP champion and fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha from 2017.

Vinales has signed a two-year deal and will partner 37-year-old Valentino Rossi, who was given a contract extension until 2018 in March.

Lorenzo, 29, leads the current MotoGP standings and is to join Ducati from the end of the current season.

Suzuki will bring in Ducati's Italian Andrea Iannone for Vinales.