Hervé Poncharal and Lin Jarvis seal the deal with a handshake.

Yamaha has announced an extension to its partnership with the Tech3 team which will see the outfit run prototype YZR-M1s for both 2014 and 2015 seasons.

The move extends the relationship between Herve Poncharal’s outfit and the Japanese brand to well over a decade, with next season to feature a particular focus on the development of younger riders.

Briton Bradley Smith will be joined at the team by Spanish Moto2 frontrunner Pol Espargaro from 2014, replacing the outgoing Cal Crutchlow.

“I’m really very happy to continue our relationship with Hervé Poncharal and the entire Tech3 Team,” said Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis. “We have enjoyed a very successful partnership for more than a decade and have shared many memorable moments over the years.

“The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team continues to perform as the top ranking satellite Team in the MotoGP class and their riders are frequently scoring excellent results and providing great excitement for the MotoGP fans.

“We are very keen to continue to work together closely for the future to develop young talent which is a very important part of our total Yamaha Factory Racing program.”

Poncharal was delighted to confirm the extension of the technical partnership for the next two seasons.

“We have been working with Yamaha since 1999 in the 250 class with Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano and in 2000 we won the 250 championship,” said Poncharal. “Next season we switched to the premier class and since then we have enjoyed a great collaboration and a great relationship.

“It is not only a technical partnership but we feel truly part of the Yamaha family. Next year is a new adventure having two young riders; Bradley Smith will be entering his second MotoGP season and will be joined by Pol Espargaró so we are very excited.

“I believe this is going to be a great set up not only together with Yamaha, but with our sponsors too and that is something we are pretty proud of.”