Pernat Reveals Rossi Has Signed 2019 Yamaha MotoGP Deal

As the 2017 MotoGP season drew to a close, speculation about the future of the sport's most iconic figure reached fever pitch. Valentino Rossi, the legendary Italian rider who has captivated millions of fans worldwide, found himself at the center of contract negotiations that would determine whether his remarkable career would extend into a third decade of top-flight motorcycle racing.

In a revealing statement that sent ripples through the MotoGP paddock, renowned Italian manager Carlo Pernat has declared his conviction that Rossi has already secured his future with Yamaha. The claim, made during an interview with Italian publication gpone.com, suggests that the nine-time world champion's relationship with the Japanese manufacturer will continue beyond the 2018 season.

Pernat's Bold Claim: A Contract Already Signed

Carlo Pernat, one of the most well-connected figures in Italian motorcycle racing, has built a reputation for having his finger on the pulse of the paddock. As the current manager of Andrea Iannone and a former agent to legends such as Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, and the late Marco Simoncelli, Pernat's words carry considerable weight in the racing community.

I am convinced that Rossi already has a signed contract for 2019. Yamaha does indeed well to be smart to go with him because despite his age he still belongs to the absolute top.

This assertion comes at a time when many industry observers have questioned how much longer Rossi can compete at the highest level. Yet Pernat's confidence in the deal suggests that both rider and manufacturer see significant value in continuing their partnership.

Why Yamaha Would Commit to Rossi

The decision to retain Rossi extends far beyond his on-track performance, though that alone would justify the investment. Consider the following factors that make the Italian invaluable to Yamaha:

• Commercial Appeal: Rossi remains the most marketable rider in MotoGP, with a global fanbase that transcends the sport itself
• Technical Expertise: Nearly two decades of experience provide invaluable feedback for motorcycle development
• Competitive Performance: Despite turning 38, Rossi consistently challenges for podiums and race victories
• Brand Association: The Rossi-Yamaha partnership has become iconic in motorsport history

The 2017 season demonstrated that Rossi remains a force to be reckoned with. While teammate Maverick Viñales and rival Marc Márquez often grabbed headlines, Rossi's consistency and racecraft continued to yield strong results throughout the campaign.

Rossi's Remarkable Career: By the Numbers

To appreciate the significance of Rossi potentially racing into 2019, one must consider the extraordinary statistics that define his career:

• World Championships: 9 titles across 125cc, 250cc, and MotoGP classes
• Grand Prix Victories: 115 wins, making him the most successful rider in history
• Podium Finishes: Over 230 podiums throughout his career
• Seasons in Premier Class: 18 seasons completed, with 2018 marking his nineteenth

At 38 years old, Rossi stands as the oldest rider on the current MotoGP grid by a considerable margin. Yet his physical condition and mental sharpness continue to defy the conventional expectations of age in professional motorcycle racing.

The Psychology of a Champion

Pernat offered fascinating insight into Rossi's mindset and what drives the Italian to continue competing at the highest level:

Rossi fears the stops, he will not stop in my eyes until he really is no longer competitive, but remember that Rossi is still physically in order.

This observation aligns with everything we know about Rossi's competitive nature. Throughout his career, the rider known as "The Doctor" has demonstrated an almost obsessive dedication to his craft. His training regimen at his private ranch in Tavullia, where he regularly trains with young riders from his VR46 Academy, keeps him sharp both physically and mentally.

The VR46 Legacy Plan

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Pernat's comments concerns Rossi's long-term vision for his VR46 racing organization. According to the experienced manager, Rossi's retirement plan involves more than simply stepping away from racing:

I think he will close his active motorsport career with Yamaha and then with his own VR46 team, besides the Moto3 and Moto2 class, also become active in the MotoGP category.

The VR46 team has already established itself as a formidable presence in the lower categories, nurturing talents like Franco Morbidelli, Francesco Bagnaia, and other promising Italian riders. An expansion into MotoGP would represent the natural evolution of Rossi's racing empire and ensure his influence on the sport continues long after his riding career concludes.

Looking Ahead to 2018 and Beyond

As the new year approaches, Rossi prepares to embark on his nineteenth season in the premier class of motorcycle racing. The 2018 campaign will see him partnered once again with the young and hungry Maverick Viñales at the factory Movistar Yamaha team.

If Pernat's claims prove accurate, fans can look forward to at least one more season of Rossi magic in 2019, bringing his tally to an unprecedented twenty seasons at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Such longevity at the pinnacle of any sport is virtually unheard of, yet Rossi continues to challenge conventional wisdom about athletic careers.

Key Questions for the Coming Season

1. Can Yamaha develop a motorcycle capable of challenging Honda and Ducati consistently?
2. Will Rossi add to his record-breaking victory tally in 2018?
3. How will the dynamic between Rossi and Viñales evolve in their second season together?
4. When will official confirmation of the 2019 contract come from Yamaha?

Conclusion: The Legend Continues

Carlo Pernat's revelation about Valentino Rossi's future provides welcome news for the millions of fans who have followed "The Doctor" throughout his extraordinary career. While official confirmation from Yamaha and Rossi himself remains forthcoming, the prospect of watching the Italian legend compete into his fourth decade is genuinely exciting.

As we enter 2018, the MotoGP paddock remains as competitive and unpredictable as ever. Yet one constant endures: Valentino Rossi, at 38 years young, continues to defy expectations and prove that passion, dedication, and talent can overcome even the passage of time.

For MotoGP enthusiasts, the coming months promise answers to many questions about the sport's future. But if Pernat is right, we can rest assured that its greatest ambassador will remain at the heart of the action for years to come.

What are your thoughts on Rossi's future in MotoGP? Share your predictions for the 2018 season in the comments below.