Seven-time World Champion Valentino Rossi Will Spend Most Of His Career With Yamaha
Jul 19, 2008
Yamaha Racing
Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi has extended his contract with Yamaha for two years, the Japanese motorcycling team announced.
The 29-year-old, who joined Yamaha in 2004 and since then has won two world championships, 32 races and taken 20 pole positions, will continue to race with Yamaha for the 2009 and 2010 MotoGP world championships.
“I had other opportunities but due to Yamaha’s efforts to give me the best bike in the best environment, I have decided to stay with Yamaha for two more years,” said Rossi, who will continue to race alongside Spanish youngster Jorge Lorenzo in 2009.
“This contract means that Yamaha is the manufacturer I will have spent most of my career with. This means more than a thousand words.”
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis commented, “We are obviously delighted to have secured Valentino for a further two years. I think this news will be very welcome for MotoGP fans and for Yamaha fans around the world. Valentino is an icon in this sport and he is on top form right now as he challenges to win his eighth world championship and his third title together with Yamaha. This signing confirms Yamaha’s four-rider line-up for 2009 so now we can concentrate our full efforts on bike development and team organization to make sure that we are in the best possible shape for next year.”
“In the meantime we have many races to go this season and I hope that Valentino can win in Laguna Seca for the first time this Sunday to extend his championship lead before the well-deserved summer break – Forza Vale!”
