The latest Valentino Rossi News from sources worldwide with Valentino Rossi Pictures, buzz and more, January 7, 12:52 am. Valentino Rossi News, Pictures & Buzz - January 7, 12:52 am Toggle navigation. Motorcycle News; Mugello MotoGP Stats Update. Valentino Rossi is the most successful rider across all the classes at Mugello, with a total of nine victories; one each in 125cc and 250cc.

• Valentino Rossi News Valencia

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Rossi is one of the most famous faces in motorbike racing and has been busy spending his birthday in pre-season testing in Thailand.

He's desperate to get back to the front of the grid in 2018 after finishing well out of contention last season.

Valentino Rossi News Valencia

And instead of putting his feet up and enjoying his 39th birthday today in style, Rossi has instead been busy getting his Yamaha bike tuned up and ready for the upcoming campaign which begins in Qatar on March 18.

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“It won't be too long until Valentino's situation is clarified and I fully expect him to be with us again on the grid next year”

Despite his advancing years, the Yamaha rider looks to have little interest in hanging up his helmet and retiring from MotoGP.

Speaking last month, Rossi said: 'I have motivation. I want to try to continue.

'The experience [with age] is important for sure.

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'Physically you pay something [as you get older], but physical condition is not the most important thing.'

And Yamaha chief Jarvis expects Rossi to sign fresh terms with the team shortly.

'I can assure you that nothing is done at the moment but I imagine it won't be too long until Valentino's situation is clarified and I fully expect him to be with us again on the grid next year,' he said.

'Yesterday we were actually in Manila in Philippines for a promotional event and Valentino explained to the media there that right now he definitely has the intention and desire to continue.

'It is not yet clear whether he may decide to do a one-year contract or perhaps a two-year contract.

'We're in close contact, we talked to each other already and we decided that anyway we'd like to see a few tests at least under the belt before making a decision maybe a few races.

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'It is difficult to say [when he signs the contract], I think these three tests are in important, obviously we've done one and Valentino is feeling comfortably straight away.

'We haven't set ourselves a timeframe at the moment.'