Image: Supplied.

Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi has re-signed with Yamaha for a further two seasons in MotoGP, extending his contract into the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

At 39, Rossi is entering his 13th season with Yamaha’s factory team in the premier class after racking up a single win at Assen alongside six podiums last year.

“When I signed my last contract with Yamaha I wondered if that would have been the last contract as a MotoGP rider,” Rossi commented. “At that time I decided that I’d take that decision during the following two years.

“During the last two years I came to the conclusion that I want to continue because racing, being a MotoGP rider, but especially riding my M1, is the thing that makes me feel good.

“Having the opportunity to work with my team, with Silvano, Matteo, all my mechanics and working with all Japanese engineers, Tsuji-san and, above all, Tsuya-san, is a pleasure – I’m happy. I want to thank Yamaha – Lin Jarvis and Maio Meregalli in particular – for their trust in me.

“The challenge is difficult, being competitive until I’m 40 years old! I know it’s going to be difficult and it requires a lot of effort from my side and a lot of training, but I’m ready. I am not lacking in motivation, that’s why I’m signing for two more years.”

The commitment from Rossi to continue in MotoGP for another two years firms the Movistar Yamaha factory team through 2020, with Maverick Vinales recently extending his contract to remain on-board the official YZR-M1.

The combination of the Doctor and the YZR-M1 has led to many milestones in the past and together they secured four MotoGP World Championship titles. He is Yamaha’s most successful rider in history with 56 wins, 43 second places and 35 third places secured in 206 races together.