Petronas Yamaha SRT will run two A spec machines next year which will see Fabio Quartararo receive an upgraded bike for 2020.

The team has fielded one A-Spec for Franco Morbidelli and one B-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 for Fabio Quartararo during its debut MotoGP season in 2019. 

However, this will change from next season due to a new agreement that features additional commitment from Yamaha and the team’s title sponsor Petronas.

It will mean both Morbidelli and Quartararo will ride A spec bikes in 2020.    

Heading into the team’s home race, the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, the squad sits in fourth position in the overall standings.

Over the course of the season, the team has started from the front row 14 times, with four pole positions and six trips to the podium.

“We are very happy to confirm that we have reached agreement here in Sepang for the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team to field two A-spec YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season,” said Lin Jarvis, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing.

“The performances of both Franco and Fabio have been excellent this year and this shows by the achievements of the riders and team in the various championship rankings they have achieved thus far both individually and as a team.

“The support of Petronas to this new team has been crucial in permitting the team to make a further step forward for 2020 with two A-spec bikes. 

“Yamaha commit to providing the team and the riders our best possible support to enable them to make further progress in 2020 with race wins as well as hopefully achieving the best Independent rider and team crowns.”

Petronas Yamaha SRT team principal Razlan Razali added: “It has been an incredible first season for Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP. 

“We are very grateful to Petronas for their commitment and Yamaha for their faith in us to deliver. 

“Both Franco and Fabio have contributed enormously to our success this year and having both riders on equal machinery will enable us to achieve even better things. 

“We are particularly proud to be able to make this announcement in Malaysia, the home of both Petronas and the team.”

Meanwhile, Quartararo set a blistering record pace in Friday’s two practice sessions at Sepang.