Yamaha MotoGP head cheese Lin Jarvis is expecting Valentino Rossi's decision on whether he will continue to race in 2021 before this season gets underway and days the series will need him post-pandemic.

The Doctor has already indicated he wants to retire after a final, full season's racing - something he won't get done in 2020 - and he already has a works M1 at his disposal for next year.

Jarvis wants Rossi to continue as he believes that after the coronavirus pandemic, Rossi is best placed to get people back into the stands and in front of TV sets.

“Vale is going to have to decide if he wants to continue, and then together we will have to find ways to do it. It will happen before we resume the race," said Jarvis.

"My desire is that he continue: ending his career like that, with few races and without spectators, would not be a good end for a champion like him.

"And so does our sport. We will need to start again with confidence, with people in the stands, and having Vale on track will be something we will need. "