Yamaha sign Valentino Rossi to deal through end of 2018 season
Saturday 19 March 2016 09:05, UK
Valentino Rossi will race on until near his 40th birthday after signing a contract with Yamaha through the 2018 MotoGP season.
The 37-year-old, nine times a world champion since beginning his career in the 125cc class in 1996, rejoined the Japanese team in 2013 and finished runner-up in the championship to team-mate Jorge Lorenzo last year.
Rossi kicks off the 2016 campaign in Qatar this weekend, aiming to repeat his 2015 win at Losail, and made the much-anticipated announcement about his future before qualifying.
"I am very happy to announce that Yamaha and I have extended our contract and will continue working together in MotoGP for the next two years," Rossi said in a statement.
"I am very satisfied with this decision, because it has always been my plan to compete in motorsports for as long as I can be competitive and find it enjoyable at the same time.
"Ever since I returned to Yamaha in 2013 I have felt like I am home again and this showed in the results. I get great enjoyment out of working with my crew and the rest of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.
"Their support for me has known no limit and I want to thank them sincerely for that. I'm feeling greatly motivated to keep riding my YZR-M1 for the best results possible, this year and the following two seasons."
Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis added: "I believe the confirmation of the extension with Valentino will be music to the ears of Yamaha fans and MotoGP fans around the world. I cannot think of a better way to start a new season than for both parties to make this strong commitment.
"When Vale returned home in 2013 it was "a decision for life". This new agreement confirms that Vale will indeed finish his motorcycle racing career with Yamaha. Before that however all Yamaha fans can enjoy three full seasons of exciting performances from "the Doctor" as he challenges to win his tenth world title."
