Indianapolis MotoGP
Date: 29-30 August
Saturday 29 August: Qualifying: 1750-2100, online. 125cc live on Freeview, d-sat and d-cable. 250cc and MotoGP qualifying online, repeated on Freeview channel 302 from 0100 BST Sunday. Sunday 30 August: 1650-1805: 125cc and 250cc on all platforms. Race live: 1945-2100, BBC Three/online, repeated on iplayer

Lorenzo is 50 points behind Yamaha team-mate Rossi in the standings

Jorge Lorenzo will remain as Valentino Rossi's MotoGP team-mate at the Fiat Yamaha MotoGP team in 2010 after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, currently second in the standings behind Rossi, had been linked to rivals Honda.

"We are proud he has decided to stay, despite receiving some very serious approaches from our competitors," said Yamaha Racing director Lin Jarvis.

"We have no doubt he has the ability and drive to become world champion."

The announcement comes after two months of speculation over the future of Lorenzo, who is 50 points behind Rossi in the MotoGP standings.

Speaking before the British Grand Prix a month ago, Lorenzo, whose original contract expired at the end of the season, said staying with Yamaha was his "first option".

But he added that he wanted to feel that he was more appreciated and had received offers from other manufacturers.

606: DEBATE Lorenzo's decision has probably closed the door on any possible move for him jcnoodle

The former world 250cc champion said in the build-up to the race at Donington on 26 July: "It's not a question of money, it's a question of do Yamaha want me or does another brand want me more.

"I think Yamaha want me to stay but I don't know how much they want me."

The current contract of Yamaha's other rider, Rossi, was signed before the global recession kicked in and Lorenzo hinted in July that the financial disparity with his team-mate had been part of the problem.

Despite denying that money was the stumbling block over contract negotiations, Lorenzo stated: "Yamaha has two very talented riders - maybe they don't have the potential to offer to the two riders the same."

Rossi wins after Lorenzo crashes out

British rider James Toseland, whose Tech 3 Yamaha deal expires at the end of the campaign, will also be relieved Lorenzo has committed his immediate future to the team.

The former double World Superbike champion, the only Briton competing in motorcycling's elite class, said recently: "We're all waiting for Lorenzo to decide if he's going to stay as that will decide what seats are up for grabs."

Rossi won the most recent MotoGP at Brno in the Czech Republic on 16 August to extend his championship lead after Lorenzo crashed out when leading.

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