Yamaha’s MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis wants to keep Valentino Rossi in the manufacturer’s family until The Doctor retires and then beyond.

The 35-year-old signed a new two-year deal that keeps him in the Movistar-backed squad until the end of 2016 and a happy Jarvis says he wants to Rossi to remain with Yamaha far into the future whether he is racing or not.

“I am very happy that we have concluded the agreement with Valentino for 2015 and 2016. Since his return to Yamaha in 2013 it’s been a very positive experience for everybody involved. After two difficult years ‘away from home’ Valentino returned last year, not only to us but also to his beloved YZR-M1,” said Jarvis.

“Fans of racing across the world were happy to see him rediscover his competitive performance and witness him take pleasure in riding and having fun again on two wheels. The “fun factor” is crucial to Valentino to get results – in fact when he first joined us in 2004 one of the most important motivations for his move to Yamaha was his desire to create an environment where he could enjoy racing.

“His enjoyment is obvious to all who meet him at the MotoGP events or who see him race on TV and is reflected in his excellent race results this year where he is currently in second position in the World Championship. We look forward to the next two and a half years together and it is our intention that Valentino will remain with Yamaha until the end of his sporting career and beyond.”