Yamaha Motor Europe has confirmed that Alex Lowes will not return to the team following the conclusion of the FIM Superbike World Championship season in Qatar.

Lowes has been an integral part of Yamaha’s World Superbike program since the Japanese manufacturer returned to the premier production racing series in 2016. In a partnership that has spanned four seasons, Lowes and Yamaha have completed 106 races, with Lowes landing on the podium 15 times.

The 29-year-old also earned his first World Superbike victory last season, earning a thrilling victory at the Brno Circuit in the Czech Republic. He was also a part of winning three 8 Hours of Suzuka for Yamaha.

“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 Eric de Seynes, president, Yamaha Motor Europe. “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.”