Marlboro Ducati's Valentino Rossi has flatly denied he is planning a shock return to Honda for next year's MotoGP season and confirmed he has a contract with Ducati that he will honour.

Rumours have abounded about a move back to HRC, not helped by Marco Melandri being a tinker and joking in an interview that The Doctor had been in touch with Fausto Gresini about a ride for next year with the San Carlo squad.

“I read especially about something from my new manager that is the superbike rider Marco Melandri that know very well my decision for next year. It is better you speak with him," joked Rossi in the pre-event press conference.

"I will race for Ducati next year but this is not in doubt. I have already a contract signed, so the situation is 100 per cent fixed and for sure I will race with Ducati."