Suzuki: Rossi not a candidate for 2015 ride

Suzuki boss Davide Brivio has admitted it will be highly unlikely for the Japanese factory to convince Valentino Rossi to spearhead its MotoGP return in 2015.

Suzuki is currently extensively testing its new 1000cc machine ahead of a full-time return to MotoGP competition in 2015.

With two sought after factory seats available, it has long been speculated that Rossi’s close relationship with Brivio would see them join forces again next year.

Brivio was influential in signing Rossi to Yamaha for 2004 and the duo were in tandem for the most successful period in the Japanese factory’s history with four world titles.

When Rossi then embarked on a doomed two-year spell with Ducati, Brivio helped manage his personal affairs before landing a key role in leading Suzuki’s return back to MotoGP.

Rossi has made it clear that if he is still competitive enough in 2014 then he would like to sign a new two-year deal to remain in MotoGP.

But Brivio reckons any new contract for Rossi will almost certainly be signed with current factory Yamaha.

He told MCN: “In my opinion, Valentino has already made a choice to finish his career with Yamaha. After the two difficult years with Ducati, I don’t think he is in the mood to take another risk. He went back to Yamaha with the desire to stay with them for as long as possible. I think he is still strongly motivated to race this year but also continue and I think for his career the most logical thing is to finish his career with Yamaha.”