MOTOGP: Rossi can see Vinales' 'romantic' Suzuki draw

Valentino Rossi admits he can see why Maverick Vinales is considering staying with Suzuki next year, rather than joining him at the factory Yamaha MotoGP outfit.

Vinales is the center of the silly season focus, as Yamaha looks to replace the Ducati-bound Jorge Lorenzo in 2017. However, the 21-year-old has been unable to reach a decision on his future and is seriously considering staying with the manufacturer that gave him his chance in MotoGP.

That has brought Honda's Dani Pedrosa into the equation, and Rossi says he would be happy with either rider joining him at Yamaha next year. The Italian says he can see why Vinales would want to stay with Suzuki, drawing a comparison with 1993 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz, who raced with the Japanese brand for his entire career.

"It's interesting for Maverick," Rossi said. "Suzuki is something more romantic, become like Kevin Schwantz, and try to remain with Suzuki.

"The bike has a good potential, but it's more difficult. Yamaha is stronger and is for sure a great bike, so it's another type of a challenge."

With his first odium finish at Le Mans last Sunday, Vinales also recorded Suzuki's first since returning to MotoGP after a three-season absence last year. Post-race, he said his focus would return to the decision after celebrating the third-place finish, indicating it would not shape his eventual call.

"Honestly, to think about my future now is wrong," he said. "I need to think at home when everything is relaxed. It takes time to think and it's difficult to concentrate at 100 percent.

"The decision is going to be really difficult but every day I'm more clear. As soon as possible I will make it."

Originally on Autosport.com