Rossi's existing Yamaha contract expires at the end of this season, but the Italian superstar has already made clear he intends to race on for perhaps another five years - so who will he ride for?

"My dream is to end my career with Yamaha," said the former five-times MotoGP world champion, who won the premier-class title consecutively from 2001-2005. "If we have a competitive bike it's possible to continue to the end. I hope I'll be riding for many years to come..."

Rossi lost the 2006 crown to Honda's Nicky Hayden at the very final round, but the 2007 championship was decided in Casey Stoner's favour three rounds from the finish. To make matters worse, Rossi – riding injured - then lost second in the championship to Dani Pedrosa after his M1 suffered a technical failure at the last round.

However, the 28-year-old – who has switched from Michelin to Bridgestone tyres for 2008 - believes lessons have been leant.

"This is a very important year as we've got to try to be competitive again. I think we have great potential. We should've learnt from last year's mistakes," he declared.

Rossi will ride the 2008 YZR-M1 for the first time during testing at Sepang from January 22-24.