Valentino Rossi Officially Extend Contract at Yamaha

MotoGP veteran rider, Valentino Rossi, officially canceled retirement after 2018 MotoGP after extending the contract with Movistar Yamaha. Rossi extended the two-year contract until the 2020 season.

The decision to extend the contract was taken Rossi before undergoing Qatar MotoGP press conference on Thursday (15/3). The 39-year-old rider thanked Yamaha for giving him confidence until the 2020 season.

"I would like to thank Yamaha, especially to Lin Jarvis [Managing Director] and Massimo Meregalli [Director of the Team], for their trust, because the challenge will be tough and requires a lot of effort on my side and I have a lot of practice," Rossi said. from Crash.

"But I'm ready, I'm not short of motivation and that's why I renew my contract in two years," The Doctor continued.

Rossi had previously said he would decide on his future in MotoGP after the 2018 MotoGP third race. The nine-time Grand Prix world champion wanted to know if he could stay competitive.

Rossi admitted was not sure will extend the contract with Yamaha and survive in MotoGP. However, in the course of Rossi changed his decision.

"When I signed the last contract with Yamaha, in March 2016, I think this could be my last contract as a MotoGP racer," said Rossi.

"In the last two years I have reached the decision to continue to race, because being a MotoGP rider, especially riding the M1, is what makes me feel comfortable," said Rossi.

Rossi followed in the footsteps of his teammate, Maverick Vinales, who had extended his contract with Yamaha in January. MotoGP defending champion Marc Marquez has also extended his contract with Repsol Honda until 2020.