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[FerrariFan63]

Even if the MotoGP race was a bit of a procession, the moto2 and moto3 races were real edge of the seat stuff. Anyone in the UK who hasn't seen them should mosey on over to BBC IPlayer.

[scotty]

Speculation that Rossi is retiring at the end of the season...

[racechick]

That wouldnt surprise me.

[scotty]

Ok Vale immediately hit back against the speculation

Valentino Rossi says rumours that he is set to retire from MotoGP at the end of the year are not true.

Fevered speculation has surrounded the Italian's position at Ducati and within MotoGP since his outspoken criticism of the Desmosedici following a disappointing opening round in Qatar. Rossi, 10th on the road, said at the time: "I can't ride this bike, I can't make the difference... What can I say?"

Such rumours intensified when the Daily Telegraph ran an article claiming Rossi had told his inner circle that he would not race past the 2012 season.

The seven-time champion has come out to refute such talk however, insisting that it is without foundation.

He tweeted AUTOSPORT's Toby Moody: "Ciao guys, the rumours about my retirement at the end of the year are not true! See you in Le Mans."

Rossi's comments are unlikely to completely end the speculation, with many viewing his manifest desire to win again as evidence he cannot be wholly fulfilled riding for Ducati.

"I came here at the end of 2010 with the idea of racing for two years and try to win with Ducati. But it's hard. Besides, I'd like to stay two more years," Rossi told Motosprint last month.

"If we work well we are able to fight for fifth or sixth place. I'm not excited by that: if you must fight for fifth place then little by little you lose enthusiasm."

Hard to say really. I think my hunch is that he'll go back to Honda?! Rossi and Stoner at Honda would be mega explosive, would love to see that.

[racechick]

I dont think he'll go back to Honda. I think he'll be hell bent on getting Ducati to work. Id just love this to happen but I dont think he'll hang around if it becomes an impossibility. Time sadly isnt on his side. But if he hangs around for a couple more years and Ducati comes good...DREAM!

[FerrariFan63]

I dont think he'll go back to Honda. I think he'll be hell bent on getting Ducati to work. Id just love this to happen but I dont think he'll hang around if it becomes an impossibility. Time sadly isnt on his side. But if he hangs around for a couple more years and Ducati comes good...DREAM!

Ducati are trying different things. If some of their experiments come up trumps, then Rossi could easily find himself with an advantage like Stoner had.

Then of course maybe he won't.

[scotty]

Wow Stoner retiring at the end of the season??

[andrew]

Wow Stoner retiring at the end of the season??

Really?

[scotty]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99658

[andrew]

Can't say I'll miss him. With a young family it seems a sensible move though.

Is it too early to start a rumour about Rossi replacing him?

[scotty]

Can't say I'll miss him. With a young family it seems a sensible move though.

Is it too early to start a rumour about Rossi replacing him?

Well, i did say a while back (see above) my hunch was that he'd go to Honda...

[bud]

Nice show of respect Andrew!!

I'm really pissed by this, things were looking good with many a future battle between the new 3 - Stoner Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Any fan of the sport regardless who you follow should be disappointed in the fact we are going to miss out on that.
Feeling a bit robbed but I think we will see Casey racing in V8SC sooner or later.

[racechick]

Wow. That was a turn up. I just saw it on Twitter. Didnt see that coming.

[Frontrunner]

This caught me by surprise when I heard this on my alarm radio this morning, Sad to see him finish up when he is still in his prime and could still go on and collect a few more world titles, But it his choice and I respect that, he has a family to think about amongst other things. But as Bud said, he probably try his hand at V8 Supercars in the future as he has a keen eye on it, gets to stay in Australia and much more safe than a MotoGP bike. I spose all the Stoner bashers will be glad to see him go, Anyway hopefully he can finish of his MotoGP career on a high with another title.

As for the replacement for Stoner, I'm thinking Marques, backed by both Repsol and Honda and seems to have what it takes in the premier class, also Lorenzo's contract runs out this year and could think about the move to Honda but I think is unlikey, As for Rossi as some others have mention, forget about, not going to happen. You really think Honda want him back after the Honda to Yamaha mess all those years ago, me don't think so

[geetface9]

I do and don't respect like this. I don't respect anybody quitting in their prime like this, especially if it's because it's dangerous and all that mumbo jumbo about families and . Give me a break. His wife or girlfriend or whoever shoulda thought about that when they started dating. Boo hoo.

On the other hand, quitting while you have millions and millions of dollars is awesome cuz you're ahead of the game and don't have to worry about the rest of your life. Vanity for vanity's sake...nothing wrong with that cuz it's just honesty