Valentino Rossi extends Yamaha contract
Nine times MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi today confirmed he has signed a new two year contract extension with the Movistar Factory Yamaha team.
The deal was widely anticipated, and after Radio Tavullia said last night, today’s news came as no surprise, with the Doctor signing a deal keeping him in the MotoGP World Championship until at least 2016.
Rossi is enjoying a resurgence on his second season back with the Japanese brand with five podiums thus far from the opening eight races, and would consider himself in a strong position in any other season if it wasn’t for the phenomenal start made by Marc Marquez.
“I am very happy to announce that I have signed a new contract with Yamaha to continue together in MotoGP for the next two years,” the 35 year old said. “I am very proud of this announcement. It’s very important to me because I really enjoy working with my crew and all the guys from the team, both the Japanese and European members that have been with me almost my entire career.
“It’s great because this was my target; I wanted to continue, I am feeling good and I’m motivated to keep giving my best. I am very happy that I can keep riding my YZR-M1, that has been my love for so many years and will still be my love this year and the following two seasons. A big ‘Thank You’ to everybody, I will try to keep giving the maximum to arrive in front and make good races. Enjoy!”
Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis was obviously happy with the work of Rossi and delighted that the Italian has committed himself for another two years.
“I am very happy that we have concluded the agreement with Valentino for 2015 and 2016,” said Jarvis. “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.
“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.”
Very happy to announce that I will remain with my M1 and with my guys for the next two years! @YamahaMotoGP pic.twitter.com/KvAiIXC1Df
— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) July 2, 2014