Valentino Rossi has signed a two-year extension with the Yamaha factory team, ensuring he remains in MotoGP until at least 2020.
The Italian rider and seven-time MotoGP champion had been expected to remain with Yamaha after previously hinting that he wished to stay in the sport for a few more years, therefore Thursday's announcement came as no surprise.
Rossi will continue to partner Maverick Vinales through his next contract period, with the Spaniard also signed up until 2020.
"When I signed my last contract with Yamaha, in March 2016, I wondered if that would have been the last contract as a MotoGP rider," admitted the 39-year-old.
"At that time, I decided that I’d take that decision during the following two years. During the last two years I came to the conclusion that I want to continue because racing, being a MotoGP rider, but especially riding my M1, is the thing that makes me feel good.
"I want to thank Yamaha – Lin Jarvis and Maio Meregalli in particular – for their trust in me, because the challenge is difficult: being competitive until I’m 40 years old! I know it’s going to be difficult and it requires a lot of effort from my side and a lot of training but I’m ready, I am not lacking in motivation, that’s why I’m signing for two more years."
Jarvis, Yamaha's managing director, admitted the decision to continue was an easy one for the Japanese manufacturer.
"The confirmation of Valentino’s two-year extension of his Agreement with Yamaha is a great way to start the 2018 season that kicks off officially on Friday in Qatar," he said.
"The news may not be a great surprise because Valentino has made it clear that he wanted to continue to race, but the reconfirmation will surely come as welcome news for his millions of fans around the world.
"It was very easy to reach an agreement together – as a factory team we need top riders capable to win and with the total commitment to do what it takes to achieve the goal.
"Despite his many years in the sport and his 39 years, Vale is as committed today as he ever was and there is no doubt he is still a top rider, as witnessed most recently by his second position in the final pre-season test here in Qatar.
"Now it is our job as a team and a factory to give him the best possible YZR-M1 to let him fight for race wins and championship success."
Rossi made his World Championship debut in the 125cc class in 1996, winning the 1997 title, before graduating to 250cc the following year, concluding his time in the junior classes by taking the 1999 trophy.
Rossi finished runner-up in his debut year in the premier class and followed it up with five straight titles, the first three for Honda and next two for Yamaha, following a switch across the winter of 2003/4.
Rossi's streak was ended by Nicky Hayden in 2006, but he returned to the top in 2008, winning back-to-back titles, before the emergence of Jorge Lorenzo left the Italian seeking pastures new, linking up with Ducati for 2011.
However, his spell in red proved disastrous and he returned to Yamaha for 2013; his second stint with the marque has yielded three runner-up spots in the championship, but another title has so far remained elusive.
Rossi has taken 115 wins (89 in 500cc/MotoGP) from 365 starts (305 in 500cc/MotoGP) during his career.
Discussion about this post