The Yamaha MotoGP team has announced that Valentino Rossi has secured a new two-year contract with the team, for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
The Italian MotoGP legend started his career in the top tier of motorcycle racing with Honda, before a long stint at Yamaha. He spent two seasons at Ducati before returning for 2013.
Over the last two years Rossi has finished runner-up in the championship. Ahead of the 2016 MotoGP season opener in Qatar, the seven-time champion has confirmed his plans with Yamaha for the next two years.
"I am very happy to announce that Yamaha and I have extended our contract and will continue working together in MotoGP for the next two years," he said.
"I am very satisfied with this decision, because it has always been my plan to compete in motorsports for as long as I can be competitive and find it enjoyable at the same time.
"Ever since I returned to Yamaha in 2013 I have felt like I am home again and this showed in the results. I get great enjoyment out of working with my crew and the rest of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.
"Their support for me has known no limit and I want to thank them sincerely for that. I’m feeling greatly motivated to keep riding my YZR-M1 for the best results possible, this year and the following two seasons."
