Rossi: Five more years
Valentino Rossi has shunned a move from two wheels to four for 2009 by declaring that he wants to remain in Moto GP for at least another five years.
The five-time world champion is under contract to Yamaha until the end of next year.
But his future beyond that has come up for debate, with the 28-year-old Italian constantly proclaiming his love for rallying and testing for the Ferrari Formula One team as well.
The 62-time race-winner has now pledged his future to all things two-wheeled however.
When asked by Italian magazine Motorsprint about how long he wants to continue on two wheels, Rossi replied: “for at least another five years.”
“It’s 100 per cent certain I will race in 2009. I’ve never considered quitting, otherwise I would have done that in 2006 [when he was linked to a Formula One switch].”
Rossi’s future with Yamaha looks to be dependent on his success with Bridgestone tyres next year. He has said that he would consider riding for Ducati in the future.
Jamie O’Leary / Eurosport
The provisional entry list for the 2008 MotoGP World Championship has confirmed that Casey Stoner intends to ride with the #1 plate next season.
The 22-year-old Australian claimed his and Ducati’s first premier-class crown wearing the #27, but will - like Nicky Hayden before him - defend his title with the world champion’s digit.
The #1 was absent from MotoGP from 2001-2005, when champion Valentino Rossi chose to retain his famous #46. As expected, Hayden will return to the #69 for 2008.
Stoner’s fellow Australian, Chris Vermeulen, will also change his racing number next year - the Rizla Suzuki star switching to a Barry Sheene inspired #7, which was previously taken by Carlos Checa.
Of the four class rookies, double World Superbike champion James Toseland will stick with his familiar #52, while double 250cc champion Jorge Lorenzo will revert to his old #48. Alex de Angelis will run the #3, last used in the class by Max Biaggi, while Andrea Dovizioso has inherited the #4 previously used by Alex Barros.
The entry list also confirms that Team Roberts is yet to secure its MotoGP future, while Ilmor - which disappeared from the grid after the opening round of 2007 - shows no signs of attempting a return. There are thus currently only 18 confirmed riders.
The only new title sponsor to appear on the list is Alice, which has acquired the naming rights for d’Antin Ducati.
The full provisional 2008 MotoGP entry list can be seen below:
#1 Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team
#3 Alex de Angelis RSM Honda Gresini
#4 Andrea Dovizioso ITA Jir Scot Team
#5 Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3
#7 Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki Motogp
#13 Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team
#14 Randy de Puniet FRA Honda LCR
#21 John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team
#24 Toni Elias SPA Team Alice
#26 Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team
#33 Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team
#48 Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team
#50 Sylvain Guintoli FRA Team Alice
#52 James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3
#56 Shinya Nakano JPN Honda Gresini
#65 Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki Motogp
#69 Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team
#TBA To Be Advised TBA Team Roberts
#TBA To Be Advised TBA Team Roberts
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks