Rossi set to race in MotoGP beyond 2016

Valentino Rossi already intends to stay in MotoGP beyond the end of his current Yamaha contract in 2016.

The 36-year-old signed a new deal last season after his upsurge in form convinced him to continue racing following a tough period in which Rossi had admitted he had to prove to himself that he was still good enough. Rossi currently leads the 2015 world championship and said his intention was now to continue racing into 2017 and beyond.

"I have a contract for two years and I hope it's not the last one," he said when asked about his longer-term future.

The seven-time MotoGP champion's last title came in 2009. While playing down the significance of his present points lead, he said his third place in last weekend's COTA race was a good omen for Yamaha.

"Leading the championship after two races doesn't mean a lot but it's good to be at the top after Austin because, on paper, this track is one of the most difficult for the Yamaha," he said. "We always struggled to finish in the past with the front tyre but this year was better. I was more or less always in the top four."

The MotoGP title battle moves straight to Termas de Rio Hondo for the Argentine Grand Prix this weekend. Rossi is one point ahead of Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso and five clear of Austin-winning Honda rider Marc Marquez.

Originally on Autosport.com