Valentino Rossi: Jorge Lorenzo staying is better for Yamaha

Valentino Rossi has accepted that if Jorge Lorenzo rejected a lucrative deal to join Ducati that it would massively benefit Yamaha.

It is no secret that Rossi and Lorenzo don’t get on, but the pair have formed a formidable partnership in Yamaha’s factory team.

Rossi and Lorenzo have won seven out of 11 races in 2009 and Yamaha is dominating the Team and Constructor championships.

Lorenzo is currently the subject of a big money approach from Ducati and he’s expected to make a decision on his future at this weekend’s Indianapolis race in America.

Rossi believes his rivalry with Lorenzo is helping Yamaha dominate rivals Ducati and Honda and the 30-year-old said: “In our team we have two riders very competitive and real rivals it’s an extra motivation for both of us.

“We are always fighting inside of a tenth of each other for the sport this is great. For sure this is a risk but also it’s very productive for Yamaha.”