Yamaha MotoGP bosses have this morning confirmed Maverick Vinales will leave the team at the end of this season.

Yesterday, rumours the Spaniard has requested a mid-contract break, a la Johann Zarco, spread like wildfire through the Assen paddock and Lin Jarvis this morning confirmed Vinales’ departure.

“It is with sadness that we will say farewell to Maverick at the end of the year. We are in the middle of our fifth season together and over the years we have achieved many highs but also had to manage many lows,” said Jarvis.

“After the German GP, which was the most difficult weekend of our partnership, we had important discussions in Assen and came to the conclusion that it would be in the interest of both parties to go our separate ways in the future.

"Yamaha will put in their maximum effort – as we always have done – to give full support to Maverick and finish this season in the very best way possible.”

It is likely an announcement from Aprilia is en route.