Valentino Rossi opts for MotoGP over Ferrari F1

© Getty Images
By blue2bikes
June 2 2006

Speculation that Valentino Rossi would be driving for Ferrari has come to an end, at least for the foreseeable future, with ‘the Doctor’ announcing that he is to stay with his present team at Yamaha until the end of season 2007.

The official announcement, made today, was to come as no surprise to me, as the introduction of the 800cc formula for the MotoGP in 2007 creates a new challenge for Rossi. Yamaha, delighted by his decision, will now concentrate on getting his machine sorted for his title defence this year - with the current bike suffering from endless chatter problems.

© Raceline Photography

With Rossi having won the title for Yamaha on their 50th anniversary last year, it is not too late for him to regain the championship this year - being the most successful rider in the history of the MotoGP, if anyone can Rossi can.

Having Rossi in their camp, you can be sure that the development of the new 800cc machine will be getting his full attention, especially as all of his team will be remaining with him in the Yamaha camp.

This year is going to be a tough one, with Rossi playing catch-up. Lying in eighth position at the moment, he will be in determined mood to set the record straight.

As for next year, I am sure he would like to prove that he certainly is the best ever rider in the history of racing, by taking a win on the new machine, and will relish the challenge ahead of him.