Nine-times World Champion Valentino Rossi has announced he will remain with Yamaha for two more years after signing a new deal.

The contract extension comes just before the 39-year-old will embark on his 13th season with Yamaha, starting at Qatar this weekend and means he will race past his 40th birthday.

“When I signed my last contract with Yamaha, in March 2016, I wondered if that would have been the last contract as a MotoGP rider,” said Rossi. “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.

“I want to thank Yamaha - Lin Jarvis and Maio Meregalli in particular - for their trust in me, because 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.”