Has Maverick Vinales signed for Yamaha?

According to Motorsport.com, Spaniard Maverick Vinales has signed a deal with Yamaha to ride their factory bike for 2017 and 2018.

The Suzuki rider, who has been widely tipped to replace the outgoing Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha, apparently travelled to Italy on Saturday to sign the deal, which will see him tied to the Japanese manufacturer for the next two seasons.

Many people have had Maverick down as the odds-on favourite for the vacant Yamaha seat. Vinales, who is currently the youngest rider on the MotoGP grid, has impressed many with his recent performances on the Suzuki. The 21-year-old took his first podium last weekend at Le Mans in a crash-filled race.

If the rumour is true, then it would leave a seat open at the Suzuki team. Johann Zarco is currently tipped for a ride on a Suzuki next season, however, many people are unsure whether that will be a factory or satellite bike. Andrea Iannone is another rider who could be available, with Italian expected to leave Ducati at the end of the year.

Motorsport.com believe that the official announcement will come at Mugello on Thursday during the official press conference.