Valentino Rossi and Yamaha had their differences last year and, more than once, the Italian had harsh words against the Japanese manufacturer and its tyre supplier Michelin.

Bridgestone was then called in to exclusively supply tires for Rossi in 2008 and things started improving, although some may argue with reason that Rossi's teammate, Jorge Lorenzo is doing quite well with Michelin.

After two back-to-back victories, Rossi is now leading the championship and he stated that he would be happy to stay on with Yamaha. It seems that Yamaha's boss feels the same way as Masao Furusawa told Gazzetta dello Sport that the Japanese squad will renew Valentino Rossi's contract this year.

"Yes, because Valentino will be a winner for at least another couple of seasons," Furusawa stated when asked if they were renewing Rossi's deal. "Valentino can ride a Yamaha for as long as he wants to, while he manages to stay at the front."