Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Defending MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi said he remains unsigned for the 2004 season despite widespread reports Wednesday that he was leaving Honda to ride for Yamaha.

Speaking in a pre-event press conference Thursday in Malaysia, Rossi told reporters, “The contract I was offered by Honda at Motegi was not good enough and I did not sign it. My manager will arrive tonight with a new one and we will have to see. I don’t know what people are saying because I don’t read the newspapers, but I can tell you that I have not signed for anybody, that is for sure. I think the best thing for this weekend is to concentrate on the race and the championship.”

If Rossi finishes second or better this weekend in the Malaysian Grand Prix he will clinch his third consecutive 500cc/MotoGP World Championship and his fifth World Championship overall. Rossi is 24 years old.