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Yamaha extends Rossi contract to 2018

#22

#22

Joined Oct 2008
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This to me is disrespectful to Lorenzo, No doubt Rossi playing mind games again. Lorenzo has clearly stated he wants his contract extension sewn up before the start of the season, but no they go and do Rossi first instead. Hopefully Lorenzo shrugs it off then Yamaha have to pay him more money when he hands Rossi his arse.

Seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has signed a new, two-year contract extension with Yamaha.

The 37-year-old returned to Yamaha in 2013, and the new deal takes him to the end of the '18 season.

Rossi had already outlined his intent to secure a two-year contract, before then potentially exploring additional opportunities in car racing.

"I am very happy to announce that Yamaha and I have extended our contract and will continue working together in MotoGP for the next two years," he said.

"I am very satisfied with this decision, because it has always been my plan to compete in motorsports for as long as I can be competitive and find it enjoyable at the same time.

"Ever since I returned to Yamaha in 2013 I have felt like I am home again and this showed in the results.

"I get great enjoyment out of working with my crew and the rest of the team.

"Their support for me has known no limit and I want to thank them sincerely for that.

"I'm feeling greatly motivated to keep riding my YZR-M1 for the best results possible, this year and the following two seasons."

Second in last year's championship to team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, Rossi took four race wins in 2015, the most since the year of his last title, '09.

With all of the factory riders out of contract at the end of this year, what is likely to be Rossi's last MotoGP deal is the first cog of the silly season to fall into place.

"I cannot think of a better way to start a new season than for both parties to make this strong commitment," Yamaha MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis said.

"From Vale's side [it's] a statement of commitment to the sport he loves and towards the Yamaha brand.

"From Yamaha's side [it's] a confirmation of the recognition to the rider that has brought us four MotoGP world titles and who remains so passionate about his sport and is still highly competitive, as proven by his two second positions in the last two seasons.

"When Vale returned home in 2013 it was 'a decision for life'.

"This new agreement confirms that Vale will indeed finish his motorcycle racing career with Yamaha.

"Before that however all Yamaha fans can enjoy three full seasons of exciting performances from 'the Doctor' as he challenges to win his 10th world title."
Click to expand...
 
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Lorenzo can make more money no matter where he goes. He should cash in on that now while the career window for such an opportunity exists. Yamaha can fend for themselves with Rossi for a time. I doubt the new Yamaha rider will receive much of a warm reception from Rossi n crew. You have to wonder how long Yamaha will tolerate that?

Lets see if Rossi can beat Maverick on the same equipment. I think that makes the most sense. Lorenzo heads to Ducati for a massive payday and Maverick works for pennies at Yamaha while besting Rossi. That'll make for an interesting 2017.

In the end, I suspect Lorenzo will get what he wants from Yamaha, particularly if he's leading the Championship near mid season making this speculation nothing more than entertainment.
 
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It's pretty clear -- Rossi stays, Lorenzo goes (most probably to Ducati with a dream contract), and young Maverick Vinales will replace Lorenzo at factory Yamaha.

Rossi spent very appreciative words on Maverick yesterday and invited him to train at his ranch in Tavullia -- so there you have it, Rossi's successor as Yamaha's legend, anti-Marquez and anti-Honda weapon for the next decade has been chosen: it's Maverick Vinales.

Meanwhile Zarco has just signed for Suzuki, where he will be probably joined by one of the current Ducati riders, depending on Lorenzo's preference as teammate (I think he'd choose Dovi).
 
Is it possible Lorenzo goes to Honda? Sure him and Marquez has a bit of history but Lorenzo could really help with the development and the two of them if they sorted the bike could kick Yamahas ... around the track.

Anyway it pisses me off TBH Rossi will be nearly 40 by the time his contract is up, I don't believe he deserves this. What happens if by mid season he is finishing in lonely 4th places like 2013? Seems a borderline ........ move on Yamahas part especially if it cost them Lorenzo.
 
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J4rn0 said:
It's pretty clear -- Rossi stays, Lorenzo goes (most probably to Ducati with a dream contract), and young Maverick Vinales will replace Lorenzo at factory Yamaha.

Rossi spent very appreciative words on Maverick yesterday and invited him to train at his ranch in Tavullia -- so there you have it, Rossi's successor as Yamaha's legend, anti-Marquez and anti-Honda weapon for the next decade has been chosen: it's Maverick Vinales.

Meanwhile Zarco has just signed for Suzuki, where he will be probably joined by one of the current Ducati riders, depending on Lorenzo's preference as teammate (I think he'd choose Dovi).
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And all totally merit based at Yamaha and for the greater good no doubt.

This is something I never, ever envisaged saying, but go Marquez.
 
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J4rn0 said:
It's pretty clear -- Rossi stays, Lorenzo goes (most probably to Ducati with a dream contract), and young Maverick Vinales will replace Lorenzo at factory Yamaha.

Rossi spent very appreciative words on Maverick yesterday and invited him to train at his ranch in Tavullia -- so there you have it, Rossi's successor as Yamaha's legend, anti-Marquez and anti-Honda weapon for the next decade has been chosen: it's Maverick Vinales.

Meanwhile Zarco has just signed for Suzuki, where he will be probably joined by one of the current Ducati riders, depending on Lorenzo's preference as teammate (I think he'd choose Dovi).
Click to expand...

So Rossi chooses his team mate next year & not Yamaha? That wouldn't surprise me. He must be very confident of whipping Vinales then.
 
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This just show how much of a .... company yamaha is. As long as they have been winning championships, they can never secure a long term sponsor for no more than a few years. So in order to have that, they sign this pesa .... overrated ...... bag for 2 years. It would be silly for any young rider to sign with gutless yamaha while rossi is still there. If that young rider wants to know how things will go for them. They only need to look at Lorenzo earlier years & last year of Marc. ...... bag speaking so-called highly of Vinales is just sunshine being blown up the .... Key thing to keep in mind here is, he refers to Vinales as ........................ The same as he did for Marc a few years back. It is clear yamaha has two options to replace Lorenzo if he leaves.

1) Alex Rins = no challenge to the prima donna in first year. Challenge OK in 2nd year since prima donna will retire.
2) Colin Edwards since he will be the brides maid to the end & Dorna has an American for so call American TV marketing.............
 
The fraud continues.

So GP will continue to be held hostage till almost the end of the decade.

Sad day for the sport as a whole.
 
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J4rn0 said:
It's pretty clear -- Rossi stays, Lorenzo goes (most probably to Ducati with a dream contract), and young Maverick Vinales will replace Lorenzo at factory Yamaha.

Rossi spent very appreciative words on Maverick yesterday and invited him to train at his ranch in Tavullia -- so there you have it, Rossi's successor as Yamaha's legend, anti-Marquez and anti-Honda weapon for the next decade has been chosen: it's Maverick Vinales.

Meanwhile Zarco has just signed for Suzuki, where he will be probably joined by one of the current Ducati riders, depending on Lorenzo's preference as teammate (I think he'd choose Dovi).
Click to expand...

I just hope Maverick doesnt bring his own mechanics and dare to beat Rossi at the ranch. Rossi will press release a not so subtle comment alluding to Maverick being a cheater. Cue up yellow mushroom clouds and wide eyed angry mobs in Mavs career and personal life
 
Laugh, but if Lorenzo is thinking about leaving, Stoner should contact Yamaha and ask if they want him in the other seat. ;)
 
I think all of this "Rossi and Lorenzo can't work togther" stuff exists a lot more in motorcycle forums and chatrooms than in what one might call "observable reality." For all we know, Lorenzo is fine with Rossi being at Yamaha and wants to stay anyways.

Then again, what do I know. But the idea that Yamaha are going to push out their current champion because of last year's politics seems a little silly to me.

My thinking is that the executives over at Yamaha rationalize the situation by saying, "Look. Rossi's probably only got another year to three years left in the sport. Let's hang on to him and keep his name recognition with out brand and just tough-out all the b.s. with his competitors. We'll make Lorenzo some long-term promises and hang on to him as well."
 
The thing is Yamaha are going to have to start looking at the future, they're holding onto a recently turned 37 year old until 2018 and lets not forget Lorenzo turns 30 himself next year, he might decide to do something else soon.
 
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