The nine-time world champion has had a disappointing season by his own high standards, although his chances have been hampered by both a shoulder injury and a broken leg.
Rossi has therefore been limited to just two wins so far - his travails also helping Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo as he stormed to a maiden MotoGP title.
However, the majority of the Italian's seven-year stay has been fruitful with title successes coming in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009 - Rossi also matching his race number with 46 wins.
