Razlan Razali’s Malaysia-based RNF MotoGP squad have ditched - or have been ditched by - Yamaha for next season and switch to Aprilia power as a satellite squad.

The two-year deal will see the squad lease a brace of RS-GPS but no details on riders have been been released. You can expect youngsters like Raul Fernandez to occupy both seats as preparation for the eventual departures of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.

“We are absolutely thrilled for this long term partnership with Aprilia Racing. Our philosophy remains to work together with the factory team to develop riders that will one day become Aprilia factory riders,” said Razali.

“We will assist them in development to ensure that we continue to be competitive and ultimately win with Aprilia Racing. The proposal by Aprilia Racing fulfils our long term plans, strategies and security for the next two plus two years and I must thank Massimo for his trust, confidence and faith in us.

“We are absolutely looking forward to the season next year and this new partnership. At the same time, we want to express our gratitude to Yamaha for these past years working together and growing together. We will, though, maintain our focus on working hard this season in order to improve our results together with Yamaha and eventually conclude 2022 on a high note.”

Whether this means Yamaha will have only two bikes on the grid next year - or whether VR46 will take up the lease - is unclear. It is believed that MotoGP ringmaster Carmelo Ezpeleta is unhappy with the swarm of Ducatis currently on the grid.