Maverick Vinales' shock exit from the works Yamaha MotoGP team will have no bearing on Valentino Rossi's retirement decision.

After uncontrollable rumours at Assen over the weekend, Yamaha announced yesterday that the Spaniard had asked to break his contract at the end of 2021, to which bosses had agreed.

It leaves a space in the factory team alongside Fabio Quartararo which is likely to be filled by Franco Morbidelli and, if Rossi elects to retire or ride his own team's Ducati, two seats will become available at Petronas.

"For me, it doesn’t change my decision because my decision is correlated to the results. So, what happens with the other team or with the other Yamahas for me is not a big deal," said The Doctor.

Rossi's seat might have been filled by Jake Dixon if he had a more successful early season but, as the decision will probably be taken in the summer break, he probably won't figure even if Dorna desperately need a British rider.