Rumors said that it is just about time to have an official announcement of Valentino Rossi to join Petronas Yamaha Team for 2021 alongside Franco Morbidelli, but there is nothing sure yet. The Satellite Yamaha Team showed how competitive it was last year with both Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo, but sure it is not an easy decision for the 9-Time World Champion who will turn 42 years old on 2021.

Razlan Razali, Petronas Yamaha Boss, admitted that he talked with Yamaha about this negotiation, but at the moment he did not talk directly with Rossi yet, so it is not easy to say if Valentino is close to join Petronas nowadays. At the same time, Razali is not scared to say that Rossi has no choice at all apart from racing with Petronas, but it seems to be the only chance Petronas has too.

Trying to bring a rookie next year would be a really big gamble: “We would have considered everyone in a normal season, looking at the results made by Valentino Rossi but at the same time of Moto2 guys. But this is a strange year and bringing a rookie to the team would be a big gamble”

It is not a secret that Valentino Rossi’s age could be a matter: “The only negative thing about Valentino – said Razlan Razali – is his age, but he is in a good shape and he trains a lot himself. Anyway, he is out of the Factory Team and he could not ride a Factory bike on 2021, so he has no choice at all apart joining us. Cannot wait to have his feedback!”