Following news that reigning MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner will quit racing at the end of this season, Valentino Rossi will have eased the crushing pain in Carmelo Ezpeleta's chest by saying he plans to hang around for another two seasons.

MotoGP is in dire need of a shot in the arm as it is and the exit of Stoner is precisely the opposite. Losing Rossi would be as close to a fatal blow as MotoGP could receive without having to wheel in a crash team. Even though Ezpeleta and Rossi are not big mates, the series needs its stars. Owners Bridgepoint will be looking to get the company off its books before Rossi does one.

“For me it's very difficult to understand where the news starts because I never speak about my retirement, and I want to race in MotoGP for the next two years for sure,” said The Doctor.