Valentino Rossi's contract extension with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP until the end of 2020 is clearly inviting comments from various parties in the paddock, not least the rivals. Marc Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso and Johann Zarco also cast their opinions about Rossi, who decided to keep down the track until the age reaches 41 years later.
This year is the 23rd year Rossi appeared in the Grand Prix, and is the 19th in the highest class. During his career, he collected nine world titles and 115 wins. Last month was 39 years old, The Doctor still feels able to appear competitive at the top.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda):
The trick of finding motivation is very impressive, considering he knows that MotoGP is now very demanding of things and he knows he should be at the highest level. This is impressive, because there are three more seasons we have to face. I congratulate him, and I'm glad he stays here for the next two years as we fight a MotoGP legend. So we will try to learn a lot from him.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Corse):
As Marc says, his decision is impressive, but I'm not surprised about this, because if you know a little Vale, you'll know it's nothing new. I knew about it before he even said it today (Thursday), because he is still fast and he will never stop as long as he is fast like this. So you will never know when he will retire.
Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3):
I think we should thank him. For newcomers and new riders like me, it seems like this is a real dream, because it's fantastic. If he retires before we go to MotoGP, then our dream of trailing Vale will not come true. But we had this chance, so I thanked him for his willingness to continue his career.