Motorsport: Rossi extends Yamaha deal for 2006

LONDON - Six-time world champion Valentino Rossi will ride for Yamaha in MotoGP next season after extending his contract until the end of 2006.

The announcement ends speculation that the Italian, who is on course for a fifth successive MotoGP world title, might make a switch to Formula One motor racing or rallying next year.

Rossi, 26, joined the then uncompetitive Yamaha from dominant Honda at the end of the 2003 season and immediately upset his former employers by winning the first grand prix of the new season and going on to claim the 2004 championship.

"I am so happy to be able to announce the continuation of my relationship with Yamaha," Rossi said.

"Last year was magic, to win my first race with Yamaha, and then to win the championship.

"I have a fantastic relationship with this factory and my team crew, who have worked so hard to make the M1 as competitive as it is now, and it just made sense to stay with Yamaha for another year."

His eighth win in 10 races this season at the German grand prix last weekend left Rossi 120 points clear of his compatriot Marco Melandri in the title race.

The victory was his 76th in grand prix and brought him level with British great Mike Hailwood in third place in the list of the most successful riders, with only Giacomo Agostini and Angel Nieto having won more.

Rossi said the need for a challenge was behind his shock move from Honda to Yamaha in 2003 and his success since has only added to the reputation of the flamboyant rider, who is now one of motor sport's, and Italy's, biggest stars.

His popularity in his home country, desire for challenge and huge appeal to potential sponsors have attracted the attention of Formula One teams.

Speculation in both Formula One and MotoGP has abounded about the pace he showed in the test he underwent with Ferrari, although Rossi has always said he is bored with such talk and that his true four-wheel passion is rallying.

Yamaha, certainly, were delighted to retain for a further season the services of a man who has turned around their fortunes in MotoGP.

"This year is the 50th anniversary for Yamaha and is therefore a very special year for us," Yamaha's managing director of motor racing Lin Jarvis said.

"We hope our MotoGP efforts will culminate in a second world title for Valentino with Yamaha. The partnership with Valentino is the key point that will now allow us to proceed with our total MotoGP strategy for 2006."

- REUTERS