IS nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi joining Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) next year?
The Italian, who is in his last season with Monster Energy Yamaha, is thinking about prolonging his career in MotoGP.
And Rossi is keen on joining SRT, a Yamaha satellite outfit, if he does decently this year.
The current season, however, has been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But SRT boss Datuk Razlan Razali continues to downplay speculation linking the MotoGP great with a move to the team next season.
Razlan said he has yet to discuss anything officially with either Yamaha or Rossi.
“It is an interesting proposition, but we do not know anything as yet. We have not discussed anything,” said Razlan yesterday.
“Whether it is good for the team or for Rossi is yet to be seen.
“There has been a lot of talk between Yamaha and Rossi, but we were never included in those discussions, so we do not want to speculate.
“We will only be able to understand what the details are once there is an official meeting between the parties (involved).”
Yamaha have confirmed that SRT’s rising star Fabio Quartararo will be replacing Rossi, who is known as ‘The Doctor’, at the factory team next year.
And if Rossi decides to move to SRT, it will be a direct swap.
The 41-year-old has made it clear that SRT are his preferred choice should he decide to continue racing next year.
“For me, Petronas (SRT) are the best option because their situation is very good. They have a young team, the money and are serious.
“It is also important to continue with the YZR-M1 (bike),” said Rossi recently.
It is believed that Yamaha have assured him of full factory support should he move to SRT.