Source: Supplied.

Spain’s three-time MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo will contest his final race as a Movistar Yamaha rider during this weekend’s final round at Valencia, before heading to Ducati for the 2017 season.

Lorenzo, 29, is aiming to finish his Yamaha career on a high note this weekend, while also eager to seal third in the standings, and will then make his first Ducati appearance during official tests next week.

“The season is almost over and finally we arrive to Valencia, where I have some good memories, especially last year when we were able to achieve our goal and become world champion again,” Lorenzo commented. “Valencia is going to be a very special race for me because after nine years with the Yamaha family I have to say goodbye and it won’t be easy.

“I had a lot of good feelings with Yamaha and together we won a lot of races and titles. I would like to finish this season in the best way possible and that’s with a victory, so I will do my best to try to win in Cheste and I will try to secure third position in the championship as well.”

The Mallorcan joined the team in 2008 and has shown his strength at the Ricardo Tormo circuit on more than one occasion. Highlights of his successes with the YZR-M1 at the Valencia circuit are premier class victories in 2010, 2013 and 2015, plus a podium with a third position in 2009.