Misano Adriatico (Italy) (AFP)

Valentino Rossi, the 41-year-old seven-time MotoGP world champion, said on Thursday he would be "99%" with the Yamaha-Petronas team next year, although his contract is yet to be signed.

Asked at a press conference about rumors of retirement after 20 years at the top, Rossi replied "that's not true".

"We take time in our discussions with Yamaha because we have time (...) but I can say that I will be 99% with Yamaha-Petronas next year".

He currently rides for the factory Yamaha team but is due to be replaced there by Frenchman Fabio Quartararo from next year.

He is currently driving for the Yamaha-Petronas team, a satellite of the factory one, and Rossi could switch with him.

He added that it was not surprising to see so many rumors about the possibility of him quitting the competition because "my retirement will be a big event and if there is an article that talks about it it will attract a lot of people. clicks ".

"Vale", one of MotoGP's most popular riders, pointed out that the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano circuit this weekend was his "home" Grand Prix.

"I live ten kilometers from here," he said.

He regretted, however, that the MotoGP championship did not stop this year on the Mugello circuit, about 200 kilometers from Misano, where Formula 1 are competing in a Grand Prix this weekend for the first time.

"It's a very nice circuit," he said, recalling that he had tested a Ferrari F1 twice there.

The Italian champion on the other hand welcomed the fact that around ten thousand spectators will be admitted to the race for the first time, while all other MotoGP races since the start of the year have taken place in behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's a small step, but in the right direction," said the Italian champion, who draws a large crowd of fans to the MotoGP circuits.

© 2020 AFP