Valentino Rossi wants new two-year MotoGP contract with Yamaha
Valentino Rossi wants to stay on in MotoGP beyond the 2014 season and plans to ask Yamaha for a two-year contract extension
The seven-time MotoGP world champion declared at the end of a tough 2013 campaign that he would after the early part of this season.
Rossi started this year strongly by battling Marc Marquez for victory in the Qatar Grand Prix, and remains third in the championship, ahead of team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, after four rounds.
He said that his form has convinced him to prolong his MotoGP career.
"Last year for me there were some good races and also one victory, but especially in the second part of the season I was a bit too far from the top three," said Rossi.
"I wanted to see if this year was better and immediately I felt better.
"I've enjoyed working with Yamaha and my team, so my project is to make another contract for two seasons.
"I think over the next weeks and next races we will speak with Yamaha about continuing."
With Colin Edwards having announced he will retire after 2014, Rossi - now aged 35 - is set to be the oldest rider on the MotoGP grid next season.
In addition to his seven titles, the Italian has won 80 races during a 500cc/MotoGP career that began in 2000.
Share Or Save This Story
Rossi faces key decision: Who will replace di Giannantonio at VR46?
Why Rossi is putting pressure on Ducati over its 2027 MotoGP rider line-up
Why Rossi's serious approach to car racing in 2024 may create a dilemma
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
"You're not allowed to make a difference" – Verstappen says the fastest F1 drivers are penalised
Russell: Data shows software calibration behind recent F1 struggles, not driving style
Mercedes identifies Russell's F1 power unit software issue
Aston Martin's Hungarian GP upgrade is big – but not as big as F1 insiders expected it to be
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments