Valentino Rossi has officially signed with Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team for the 2021 MotoGP season.
The anticipated deal will see the nine-time world champion switch places with Fabio Quartararo, to ride alongside Franco Morbidelli in the satellite team.
Critically, Rossi will still have full access to Yamaha’s top-spec factory machinery in 2021.
“To be able to sign a rider like Valentino Rossi, for what will be only our third year in the MotoGP championship, is amazing,” said Petronas Yamaha SRT director John Stigefelt.
Rossi is considered one of the greatest of the sport, boasting such achievements as seven premier class titles, 89 race wins, 199 podiums, 55 pole positions and 76 fastest laps.
“We have evolved from a Moto3 team to a Moto2 team to a MotoGP team in a short time frame and now to be leading the MotoGP teams’ championship and signing one of the greatest riders the sport has ever known is incredible,” said Mr Stigefelt.
“It has been a long time since Valentino was in a satellite team and we will try our best to help him feel like new again.
“We want to make sure that he feels comfortable in our team, which we trust in and believe in so much.
“Our target is to get even better as a team, help Rossi deliver the best results possible and make 2021 a memorable year.”
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
