Season 2008 - Rossi: Five more years

Eurosport - Wed, 19 Dec 10:44:00 2007

Valentino Rossi has shunned a move from two wheels to four for 2009 by declaring that he wants to remain in Moto GP for at least another five years.

MOTORCYCLING 2007 Valentino Rossi - 0

The five-time world champion is under contract to Yamaha until the end of next year.

But his future beyond that has come up for debate, with the 28-year-old Italian constantly proclaiming his love for rallying and testing for the Ferrari Formula One team as well.

The 62-time race-winner has now pledged his future to all things two-wheeled however.

When asked by Italian magazine Motorsprint about how long he wants to continue on two wheels, Rossi replied: "for at least another five years."

"It's 100 per cent certain I will race in 2009. I've never considered quitting, otherwise I would have done that in 2006 [when he was linked to a Formula One switch]."

Rossi's future with Yamaha looks to be dependent on his success with Bridgestone tyres next year. He has said that he would consider riding for Ducati in the future.

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport