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Rossi commits to two more years with Yamaha

Seven times MotoGP champion wants more glory with Japanese manufacturer

Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing

Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing

Yamaha MotoGP

Valentino Rossi and Yamaha have come to an agreement on a new two-year deal to see the seven times MotoGP World Champion campaigning the premier class of motorcycle racing on the YZR-M1 until the end of the 2016 championship. Rossi and Yamaha made the announcement following weeks of negotiations between both parties.

I am very happy that I can keep riding my YZR-M1.

Valentino Rossi

By far the most successful rider in this year’s championship behind leader Marc Marquez, Rossi has amassed four second-place finishes and a total of five podiums this year and sits in second place in the championship standings. Since returning to the Yamaha garage Rossi has focused on improving the set up of his machine especially in making it work with the 2014 Bridgestone tires.

Rossi never made any secrets about his desire to return to Yamaha and has also hinted at finishing out his career with the manufacturer who he has won four MotoGP World Championship crowns with making Yamaha the most successful marque in the MotoGP era. With his multiple titles and raft of records to his name, the 35-year-old is just 16 off Giacomo Agostini’s record of 122 career GP wins and Rossi has gone on record in the past saying he would love to surpass ‘Ago’s’ record and take it for himself.

Second place Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing
Second place Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Bridgestone Corporation

“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,” Rossi said while continuing, “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!” Rossi added.

Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Lin Jarvis was really pleased a new deal could be struck with Rossi and also hinted at Rossi’s continued involvement with Yamaha after he finishes racing. Speaking at the announcement, Jarvis said, “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. 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.

Lucky number 7: 2005 World Champion Valentino Rossi celebrates his 7th World Championship
Lucky number 7: 2005 World Champion Valentino Rossi celebrates his 7th World Championship

Photo by: Gauloises Fortuna Racing

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,” Jarvis added.

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