Seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi's career could depend on how well he does during the first six races of next season, the Italian admitted. The 34-year-old racer claimed the 80th victory of his career in 2013 after returning to Yamaha ahead of last season, but finished well behind Spanish trio Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in the Championship standings. 


During an interview with Sportmediaset.it on their 'The New Age - A year of MotoGP' programme that will be broadcasted tonight, Rossi reveals his intentions for 2014 and beyond. 
"If I'm here and I want to keep racing, I will have to stay ahead in 2014, closer to the first three. From February to June, the tests and the first six races will be crucial for deciding whether to continue or stop racing in MotoGP at the end of the season. I'd like to continue for another couple of years, but only if they are competitive." Rossi will also discuss his split from crew chief Jerry Burgess, a decision the legendary racer made in an effort to close the gap to the front-running trio.