Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi has confirmed today at Austin’s MotoGP pre-event press conference that he intends to race on after the 2014 season and will not leave the decision until after the Mugello round.

The Doctor said before the start of this season that he would make a decision one way or another after the first six races but today he stated that after testing and his Qatar podium, he would carry on.

“My feeling is that I am stronger than last year, not only in Qatar but in testing. I had a good feeling in Sepang not only about the laptime but also the pace. Is difficult to stay at the top but for sure we have to stay focused,” said Rossi, speaking at Qatar.

“Last year I said I wanted to see if I was more competitive this year. The test and the first race are not so bad so I want to continue.”