"I will try to be there in 2022" – Rossi on Indonesian GP

Speaking to Indonesian MotoGP™ broadcaster Trans7, The Doctor shed some more light about when his decision on continuing racing will come

Understandably, a lot of talk surrounding Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) at the moment is whether he will be racing in MotoGP™ or not in 2022. Speaking to Indonesian MotoGP™ broadcaster Trans7 recently, The Doctor shed some light on when the decision will be made.

Valentino Rossi, Petronas Yamaha STR, SHARK Grand Prix de France

“Speaking with Petronas and Yamaha it's more half-season because after nine races we have the summer break and I think I will decide for next year in that period, after nine races,” said Rossi. There was plenty of speculation that an announcement would come as early as Mugello, Round 6 of the season, but any confirmation about Rossi’s future as a rider now seems highly unlikely before the summer.

“I'm happy if I can race also in 2022 and come to Indonesia, but we need to wait for the results and if I can be competitive, so at this moment I cannot promise anything but I will try to be there in 2022,” continued the Italian. The MotoGP™ paddock look set to be heading back to Indonesia in 2022 to race at the brand-new Mandalika International Circuit, with Indonesian fans hoping to watch one of their idols on track in their country. 

 

However, as Rossi says, it depends on his results and ability to be competitive. His best result of the season so far is a P11 at the French GP last time out in the flag-to-flag epic, but the post-GP Official Test in Jerez was positive for Rossi and his side of the Petronas Yamaha SRT garage. Steps were made, so the Grands Prix at Mugello, Catalunya, the Sachsenring and Assen are set to be the deciders.

“[Mandalika] looks like a fast track with some fast corners, which is usually fun, but to understand well we need to try with the bike,” continued Rossi to Trans7. “It will be very demanding because Indonesia is very hot. I raced in Indonesia in '96 and '97 and I remember it is maybe hotter than Malaysia! But the sea is very close, so if it's too hot we'll go into the sea!”

While we may not get a decision about Rossi's future as a rider before the summer, it’s very likely that we will find out what manufacturer – and potentially the rider line-up – his VR46 team will run with in 2022 much sooner. At Le Mans, the 42-year-old admitted it’s now a “50-50” choice between Yamaha and Ducati, and it’s a decision that needs to be made hastily. 

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