Fiat Yamaha have signed a one-year contract extension to keep Jorge Lorenzo in the squad until the end of 2010 which ends all speculation of a big-money switch to Marlboro Ducati.

The Spaniard had been linked to both the Italian squad and to Repsol Honda, but a deal with the latter fell through when the agreed terms with their existing riders Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso.

"Today is a good day because I have decided to remain with the Yamaha Factory Team in 2010. It was a very important decision and that's why I have had to take the last few weeks to make it, but I think that this is the best decision for me in this moment," said Lorenzo.

"I want to thank Yamaha because they have always done everything that they have promised, and I especially would like to say thank you to Lin Jarvis and Masao Furusawa. I am very happy."