Brno MotoGP: Valentino Rossi dismisses Honda rumours

Valentino Rossi has laughed off rumours he’s trying to end his Ducati nightmare by securing a Honda ride next season.

And the nine-times world champion also poked fun at Yamaha World Superbike rider Marco Melandri, who is being blamed for leaking a rumour that Rossi had contacted Honda team boss Fausto Gresini about a move back to HRC in 2012.

Rossi, who left Honda at the end of 2003 to move to Yamaha’s factory squad, denied the speculation on the eve of this weekend’s Czech Republic round in Brno.

When asked if he’s seen the stories linking him with a shock switch back to Honda, the 32-year-old said: “I read especially about something from my new manager that is the superbike rider Marco Melandri that know very well my decision for next year. It is better that you speak with him.”

Rossi is currently enduring a torrid period trying to transform the Ducati Desmosedici into a consistent podium contender.

And heading into the second phase of the 2011 world championship in Brno, he’s scored just one podium for the Bologna factory back in the fourth race at Le Mans.

But Rossi said he has no intention of not honouring his Ducati contract and he added: “Apart from the joke, I will race for Ducati next year but this is not in doubt. I have already a contract signed, so the situation is 100 per cent fixed and for sure I will race with Ducati, if Melandri agrees.”

Rossi is currently fifth in the world championship rankings with 108-points but in the last three races he’s finished no higher than sixth.

After 10 races, he trails series leader Casey Stoner by 85-points.