MotoGP: Rossi wants to extend Yamaha deal

Valentino Rossi wants to stay on in MotoGP beyond the 2014 season and plans to ask Yamaha for a two-year contract extension.

The seven-time MotoGP world champion declared at the end of a tough 2013 campaign that he would evaluate his future after the early part of this season. Rossi started this year strongly by battling Marc Marquez for victory in the Qatar Grand Prix, and remains third in the championship, ahead of team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, after four rounds. He said that his form has convinced him to prolong his MotoGP career.

"Last year for me there were some good races and also one victory, but especially in the second part of the season I was a bit too far from the top three," said Rossi. "I wanted to see if this year was better and immediately I felt better.

"I've enjoyed working with Yamaha and my team, so my project is to make another contract for two seasons. I think over the next weeks and next races we will speak with Yamaha about continuing."

With Colin Edwards having announced he will retire after 2014, Rossi – now aged 35 – is set to be the oldest rider on the MotoGP grid next season. In addition to his seven titles, the Italian has won 80 races during a 500cc/MotoGP career that began in 2000.