Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis has responded to rumours Valentino Rossi has signed a one-year deal to remain with the marque in MotoGP, denying anything has been signed as of yet.
Carlo Pernat, who manages Suzuki's Andrea Iannone among other things, recently told Italian press nine-times world champion Rossi had penned a one-year extension of his current deal with Yamaha, with an option for a second year if he wanted it.
Jarvis, however, admitted nothing had been signed between Yamaha and the veteran Italian, but revealed Rossi has expressed the “intention and desire” to remain in the sport next year.
“Yesterday we were actually in Manila in the Philippines for an event and Valentino explained to the media there that he definitely has the intention and the desire to continue,” Jarvis said in an interview with motogp.com.
“It's not yet clear whether he decides to take a one-year contract or perhaps a two-year contract. We're in close contact, we've talked to each other already, we decided we'd like to see a few tests at least under the belt before making a decision, maybe a few races.
“So, right now anyway, I was quite curious to read Carlo Pernat's comments; perhaps he knows something I don't. But generally I prepare the contracts, so I can assure you nothing is done at the moment.
“I would imagine it won't be too long until Valentino's situation is clarified and I fully expect him to be with us on the grid again.”
Yamaha confirmed it had re-signed Maverick Vinales – who joined from Suzuki last year – for a further two seasons during the launch of its 2018 campaign last month.
Rossi's current contract was agreed on the eve of the opening round of the '16 season, though Jarvis says no time frame has been set for acquiring the Italian's signature.
“Yeah, it's difficult to say,” he said when asked if Rossi would be secured prior to the start of the new season.
“I think these three tests are important. Obviously we've done one and Valentino was feeling comfortable straight away.
“We haven't set ourselves a time frame at the moment, but we wanted also to get Maverick sorted out because Maverick expressed a desire to be able to decide his future, to relieve himself of that pressure.
“Obviously, being just 23 years of age, he was somebody we definitely wanted to keep and we see a long career for him.”
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