Valentino Rossi says a decision will not be made on his MotoGP future past 2018 until several races have passed next year.
The nine-time world champion signed a two-year extension with Yamaha prior to the Qatar Grand Prix last year, with many speculating that this contract could be his last in grand prix racing.
However, the Italian – who is coming to the end of his 21st year in grand prix racing – has still proven a competitive force in the premier class, winning three races in the last two seasons and finishing runner-up in the standings to Marc Marquez in 2016.
Rossi has always maintained that he will carry on past 2018 so long as he is still able to fight at the front, and once again reiterated this point prior to this weekend’s season finale in Valencia.
“I think after some races next year (I will make a decision),” Rossi said on Thursday.
“Because at the end of the next season the contract finish.
“I have to see my speed, if we are competitive. We have to make good work with the bike, and after some races we can speak with Yamaha and decide if continue or not.”
Rossi looking towards ‘important’ winter
Rossi and Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales have struggled with the 2017 YZR-M1, particularly with its chassis.
The team has introduced two chassis updates across the season, including a prototype 2018 frame, in order to cure its grip issues in high temperatures and in wet conditions.
While both riders have made progress with the bike in the dry since the 2018 frame was brought in for the British Grand Prix, pace in the wet has still proved elusive, with Rossi labelling the 2017 M1 ‘dangerous’ following the rain-hit Sepang race.
Yamaha has already begun testing on a new engine, but Rossi does not think a chassis fix will arrive until next year. He also admits there will be more pressure on Yamaha than on its rivals during the 2018 pre-season.
“The (new) engine was ready, and we start to work,” said Rossi.
“In the chassis we have more problems, so is still not ready and I think that we can have something new for February.
“So now we try to understand if the engine is a little bit better, but our problems is more the chassis.
“It’s important for us, (the test on) Tuesday and Wednesday. It will be important in 10 days in Sepang, will be important in February because we have to fix some problems.
“So, the winter season for use will be more important than for Honda and Ducati.”
