Yamaha ‘happy’ to keep Valentino Rossi until end of 2016

Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis has spoken of his delight at securing nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi on a new two-year contract.

Rossi’s deal to remain on a factory YZR-M1 for 2015 and 2016 was confirmed earlier this afternoon after the Italian’s impressive run of five of form in the first eight races of this season.

The 35-year-old has scored five podium finishes in the opening eight races and he remains the most successful rider in Yamaha’s history.

After completing a shock move from HRC at the end of 2003, Rossi won four world titles for Yamaha between ’04 and ’09.

He’s also won a record 47 races for the Japanese brand, the last of which came in the historic Dutch TT just over one year ago.

After Yamaha confirmed Rossi’s new two-year contract today, senior race boss Lin Jarvis said: “I am very happy that we have concluded the agreement with Valentino for 2015 and 2016. Since his return to Yamaha in 2013 it’s been a very positive experience for everybody involved. After two difficult years ‘away from home’

Valentino returned last year, not only to us but also to his beloved YZR-M1. Fans of racing across the world were happy to see him rediscover his competitive performance and witness him take pleasure in riding and having fun again on two wheels. The “fun factor” is crucial to Valentino to get results – in fact when he first joined us in 2004 one of the most important motivations for his move to Yamaha was his desire to create an environment where he could enjoy racing. His enjoyment is obvious to all who meet him at the Moto events or who see him race on TV and is reflected in his excellent race results this year where he is currently in second position in the World Championship. We look forward to the next two and a half years together and it is our intention that Valentino will remain with Yamaha until the end of his sporting career and beyond.”