Valentino Rossi could extend his MotoGP journey?
Valentino Rossi does not seem to end his career soon; even if he told that he will retire at the end of his contract planned for 2020, it looks like “The Doctor” could stay for other two years in MotoGP
Despite Valentino Rossi told that he will retire at the end of his contract planned for 2020, it seems that nine-time World Champion could extend his long journey in MotoGP for other two years, thinking about renewing his contract next year with Yamaha.
There were a lot of speculations during Summer Break that even wanted “The Doctor” to retire even this year but the Italian said especially during Czech GP that he will keep running with his Yamaha also for 2020, disproving the rumors about himself. 2019 season probably is one of the toughest one for Rossi where he managed to finishing on the podium only two times without winning any race, but his will is to stay in MotoGP as long as he thinks to be still competitive and fast.
Italian rider is actually having fun and doing good results anyway; despite he is not winning since Assen 2017, last year he managed to finish 3rd in the Championship Standings and he is still best Yamaha in 2019 World Champion just ahead of his teammate Maverick Vinales. That is why Rossi wants to continue his long journey with two wheels where he conquered 9 Titles, 115 wins, 234 podiums, 65 pole positions and 95 fast laps.
Alberto Tebaldi, sports director and CEO of VR46, revealed the possibility that Rossi could extend his long adventure in MotoGP: “I hope Valentino could continue in MotoGP until 2022. He has a lot of pace and he is having fun riding the bike being competitive and fast. He is in a fantastic shape as well, both mental and physical, thanks to the great work he does with the Academy. Iwata is working a lot: credit to Mario Meregalli and Lin Jarvis, but also Valentino who talked with Yamaha’s boss. We will see the real results on 2020”.
Surely it would be interesting to see if Valentino Rossi could be competitive at the age of 42 and 43 but this scenario could create also some chaos on MotoGP grid as long as some riders are aspiring to his seat after 2020, firstly Fabio Quartararo, who seemed to be the main candidate to replace the Italian on 2021. If Rossi would stay, it could be a problem for the French Rookie who is surprising everyone this year where he even achieved three stunning podiums and pole positions and surely wants a Factory Team for 2021.
