Suzuki signs Iannone on two-year deal

After several weeks of indecision, Vinales has finally decided to join Yamaha, the move officially announced earlier on Thursday.

Suzuki, aware of Vinales' decision since Le Mans, began negotiations with Andrea Iannone shortly after Ducati decided to drop the Italian in favour of Andrea Dovizioso.

Both parties quickly reached a two-year agreement, meaning yet another piece of the 2017 rider market puzzle has fallen into place.

"We are happy to have enrolled Andrea in our team for the next two years," said Suzuki boss Davide Brivio.

"He is one of the top riders in MotoGP and he is also very passionate and motivated, which fits into our racing philosophy.

"Our technical project is continuously improving since our debut in 2015 and we are working hard to make our GSX-RR very competitive so that it can fight consistently close to top and victory as soon as possible. We wanted a rider that could help Suzuki continue its road to the top.

"Andrea is a fast rider who has the hunger for success and his riding style could suit our machine’s characteristics, therefore giving us good hopes for a positive partnership. Being in his fourth year in MotoGP, he’s also an experienced rider, from which the whole team will benefit."

Suzuki targets Rins for second bike

While the identity of Iannone's 2017 teammate has yet to be named, Motorsport.com understands Suzuki is currently in talks with Moto2 star Alex Rins to pilot the second GSX-RR next season.

This would force current Suzuki rider Aleix Espargaro into a search of alternative employment, while also potentially leaving Johann Zarco, who had previously made his interest in the team clear, in need of another place to make his MotoGP graduation.

2017 MotoGP grid so far: