Valentino Rossi has signed for the factory Fiat Yamaha team for the next two years, which must indicate he intends to stay with the squad until he retires from racing – motorcycles at least.
The Italian, who will start his 203rd straight GP at Laguna Seca tomorrow, said: "After so many years spent in racing, fortunately with so many victories, I needed a special motivation to take the decision to sign for two more years. The best place to find this motivation is Yamaha, since I have a great relationship with Yamaha's directors, which comes from a mutual trust and loyalty.
"In our team there is a special atmosphere and with this new deal I can continue to work with my crew, where I am part of the project and part of the development of my M1. I had other opportunities but due to Yamaha's efforts to give me the best bike in the best environment, I have decided to stay with Yamaha for two more years. This contract means that Yamaha is the manufacturer I will have spent most of my career with. This means more than a thousand words."