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“For another two years”. This could be hung as a slogan above Valentino Rossi's garage during the upcoming Losail round. Today's big news is undoubtedly the Doctor's two-year contract renewal with Yamaha which will see him racing until 2020. The rumours had been circulating for a while and now comes the official confirmation.
The nine-time champion has a smile for all to see as he attends the first press conference of the season: “I'm pleased to continue this adventure because two years ago I though it was the last contract of my career. I've always had a clear idea in my mind, to continue I mean. I think I have the strength and the motivation to do it”.
Valentino then explains how the situation developed: “Last year I told Yamaha that if I survived winter testing I would sign - he smiles - the team supports me and so, after testing , I made this decision. I've got on well on the bike, though I know we need to improve certain aspects like the electronics. Compared to a few years ago, negotiations now get underway much sooner, while in previous seasons we'd wait until mid-season before signing.”
The Italian goes into more detail about his decision: “I've renewed because I like riding the bike and also the lifestyle that I've had for so many years, despite the fact it can sometimes be stressful. At first, I was thinking about signing a one-year contract with an option for a second year, but I think the two-year agreement is more in line with the current trend”.
Rossi talks about his motivation: “I think it's fundamental, it allows you to be fast and I think all riders can ride until they're 40 if they have the right motivation. If there's a lack of competitiveness, this might impact on image. But I see many riders and drivers who stopped while still at the top, Bayliss and Schumacher for instance, but then they weren't happy with their decision, and wanted to get back on track. I want to race for as long as I can without any regrets. It might be risky, but if I followed that line of reasoning I would have stopped many years ago”.
This will in all likelihood be his last contract as a rider: “Let's say that the percentages are higher than they were a few years ago, but never say never. I like it, and there's another thing that I like but I can't say (he smiles)”.
This season the nine-time champion will also come across Morbidelli, and then Bagnaia in 2019: “I'm so proud to see Franco in MotoGP because we've followed him since 2011. The same goes for Pecco. They are real rivals when we're on track with the Academy too. So I'm happy they're here”.
