Valentino Rossi says he is happy to partner either Dani Pedrosa or Maverick Viñales at Yamaha in 2017.
Current teammate Jorge Lorenzo moves to Ducati leaving a spot alongside MotoGP’s worldwide icon.
Suzuki’s Maverick Viñales and Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa are the frontrunners to partner Rossi next season, according to reports.
“I think that for the second rider, [Yamaha title sponsor] Movistar wants a Spanish rider and Viñales or Pedrosa are the most possible [options],” the Italian said.
“I don’t know the percentage, one more than the other, you have to speak with Yamaha. But for me, it’s the same.
“[They are] two very different riders; Pedrosa very, very strong, very fast, already demonstrated his great potential, but a little bit older.
“Viñales, a great talent, already demonstrated but in MotoGP not a lot of experience.
“But a lot younger, so it’s a little bit different.”
Unlike current teammate Lorenzo, Rossi says he has a ‘great relationship’ with both riders eyeing the second Yamaha seat.
“For me, essentially, it’s no difference. I have a great relationship with Pedrosa and with Viñales.”
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