Valentino Rossi continues to rank as the highest two-wheel athlete in the world. Image: MotoGP.com.

Valentino Rossi is the fifth-highest earner in motorsports, according to the latest list released by business publication Forbes.

The 32-year-old Italian, the winningest rider in the history of MotoGP with 80 victories, is poised to collect approximately $22 million dollars this year.

The figure is built upon a healthy base salary of $12 million from Yamaha, albeit a reduction from his pay packet over an unsuccessful two-year stint at Ducati.

The remainder of the earnings figure, estimated to be $10 million, comes from endorsements, with the veteran rider still rating as a fan favourite and an extremely attractive prospect for sponsors.

Rossi is the only motorcycle rider to figure within the top 10, with the bulk of placings made up by NASCAR and Formula 1 drivers.

He was also the only motorcycle racer to rank within Forbes’ top 100 highest-paid athlete list released in June, placing 51st.

Ferrari F1 star Fernando Alonso is motorsport’s current highest earner, pocketing $30 million for his efforts in 2013.

Just $2 million of this is endorsements, with the Italian marque investing a tidy $28 million as a base salary.