If, however, Rossi still hasn't re-signed with Yamaha by the closing third of the 2008 season, then he probably intends - or is at least seriously considering - a change of team.

Given that Rossi used to joke that he 'didn't know what he was doing next week, never mind next year', the words "it's 100% certain I will race in 2009" are probably designed to at least remove retirement talk from the equation, while what could be a lengthy wait begins for a 2009 announcement.

Meanwhile, speaking to Studio Sport, Rossi has given his opinion on MotoGP's first ever night race, which will open the 2008 season at Qatar on March 9.

"In my opinion you should spend your nights doing other things, not riding a motorbike!" smiled Rossi. "But everyone I've spoken to has said that, with the floodlighting, it's basically like riding in the day anyway.

"Nevertheless, I'm a lot wider awake at 11 in the evening than at 11 in the morning, so it could be good for me!"