Yamaha has this evening poured more fuel on the Alex Lowes to Kawasaki rumour by confirming the Derby rider will leave the fold at the end of 2019.

Yamaha Europe head honcho Eric de Seynes was full of praise for Lowes, thanking him for his service and commitment. He will be replaced by Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2020.

“I would like to start by saying thank you to Alex, not just for the success we have enjoyed together in WorldSBK and at Suzuka, but also for his commitment to Yamaha and our Superbike project, which he has been an integral part of from the beginning,” said de Seynes.

It was a difficult decision not to continue with Alex in the same role for the 2020 season but it was also our sincere hope that he would remain within the Yamaha family.

“We knew there was a risk and, unfortunately, that risk has turned out to be real and Alex will not be on a Yamaha next season. Working with Alex these past four years has been a real pleasure for me and on behalf of both Yamaha and myself I wish Alex every success for the future.”

There has been no communication one way or another from Kawasaki to say Lowes will replace Leon Haslam next season. But he will.