The hot topic right now, and already over the last few seasons in fact, is what decision Valentino Rossi will come to about his career as a rider. Will he continue on in 2022? Will he retire? Will he follow another path? All questions that will soon find their answers it seems.

The verdict after nine races

An in interview with Indonesian TV channel Trans7, the Doctor has spoken about the decision regarding his future. Many thought that an official press release might come during the Mugello race weekend, but Rossi denies this: “Talking with Petronas and Yamaha - he explained - we’ve decided that it’s a matter for mid-season. As we’ll have the summer break after nine races, I think that’s the moment when we’ll decide as to next year, so after nine races.”

“I need to see if I’ll be competitive”

Rossi also fell back on the usual phrase he repeats each year with regard to his possible retirement: “I’ll be pleased if I’m able to race in 2022 and come to Indonesia - he said, referencing the interviewing country - but we need to wait for the results and see if I’m competitive. So right now I can’t promise anything but I’ll try and be here in 2022.” Valentino’s results haven’t been outstanding so far this season, his best result an eleventh-place finish at the latest Le Mans round. Either way, it won’t be an easy decision for him so it’s only right that he takes his time.

At the Indonesian track

During the interview, Rossi also spoke about the Mandalika circuit that should feature on the 2022 calendar: “It looks like a fast track with some fast turns - he concludes - Those are usually fun tracks but we’d need to ride there to really see. It will be a challenging GP as Indonesia is very hot. I raced there in ’96 and ’97 and I remember it was perhaps even hotter than Malaysia. But the sea is nearby, so if it’s too hot we’ll head for the beach!”

Translated by Heather Watson

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