The negotiations, which seemed a formality, had nevertheless been going on since last January. And they only came to fruition at the end of September. But under the aegis of Yamaha, Valentino Rossi and the Petronas colors agreed so that the Doctor could make his 26rd season in the premier category of the Grands Prix. And its 11rd on a Yamaha… Lin Jarvis is happy, obviously…
The day of the official announcement of Valentino Rossi et Yamaha Petronas SRT has finally arrived. In Catalonia, Razlan Razali, Lynn Jarvis et Valentino Rossi gathered in the motorhome Yamaha to sign the new annual contract.
Vale will therefore continue in 2021 and, depending on the results, there will also be the possibility of continuing in 2022. The career of the Tavullia champion could not end after a season without spectators and with a reduced schedule. “ We are delighted that Valentino is staying in MotoGP for another year and we are confident that fans of the sport feel the same way » declared the general manager Lynn Jarvis. " A significant portion of the MotoGP team will have grown up with Valentino and will continue to do so throughout their careers. This current and final season with the Yamaha factory team is his 25th in the World Championship and his fifteenth with Yamaha ».
It wasn't the right year to quit
The factory team preferred to support fabio quartararo with Maverick Vinales over the next two years, but they guaranteed a factory motorcycle at Valentino Rossi and a place in the Petronas SRT team. “ This MotoGP season, influenced by Covid-19, was not the right year for such a legendary rider to end his career. Valentino has always been very popular with fans around the world, so it's great that he decided to continue for at least one more season. We hope fans can come back next year to see him in action again ».
Lynn Jarvis would like to thank the Petronas team for opening the doors for the veteran, even though the Malaysian team's goal is to launch young champions. “ They are still a rather “young” team, but they are very professional and serious contenders for race wins and for the position at the top of the championship standings, so we are confident that Valentino will feel comfortable and be capable to perform in the championship at your best level ».
By the way, the team Petronas has achieved three of the four victories Yamaha claims at this stage of the season. He does more than teach the factory troops led by… Lynn Jarvis.
