Valentino Rossi has signed what could be his final
MotoGP contract after it was officially announced that the Italian superstar will, as expected, stay at Yamaha for the next two seasons.
Rossi - currently just three wins away from breaking Giacomo Agostini's all time record of 68 premier-class victories - has previously stated that he 'will not race beyond 32'.
That stance may be flexible, but Valentino's new contract will expire at the end of the 2010 season and he will be 32 years old on February 16, 2011.
Upon announcing his new deal, Rossi stated that his motivation to stay in MotoGP for the next two seasons was dependent on remaining with the Yamaha team he has already won two titles with. Rossi also confirmed that he had received 'other opportunities'.
"After so many years spent in racing, fortunately with so many victories, I needed a special motivation to take the decision to sign for two more years," he admitted. "The best place to find this motivation is Yamaha, since I have a great relationship with Yamaha's directors, which comes from a mutual trust and loyalty.
"In our team there is a special atmosphere and with this new deal I can continue to work with my crew, where I am part of the project and part of the development of my M1.
"I had other opportunities but due to Yamaha's efforts to give me the best bike in the best environment, I have decided to stay with Yamaha for two more years. This contract means that Yamaha is the manufacturer I will have spent most of my career with. This means more than a thousand words."
Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis added: "We are obviously delighted to have secured Valentino for a further two years. I think this news will be very welcome for MotoGP fans and for Yamaha fans around the world.
