Rossi open to Suzuka 8h return after MotoGP retirement

The Italian won the Japanese classic alongside Colin Edwards back in 2001, the duo sharing a works Honda VTR1000 in what was Rossi's second Suzuka appearance after his debut in 2000.

However, the race took such a toll on Rossi physically that he vowed to never race at Suzuka again after his triumph, although Yamaha recently admitted that it would like to run the 37-year-old there in future.

Yamaha took its second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours win this year with Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Pol Espargaro and Alex Lowes sharing a factory-run R1.

Asked whether he could envisage a return to Suzuka in future, Rossi said: "I like a lot that race, I love to make [it] also with Yamaha. For me, can be.

"But the problem is not during the MotoGP season, maybe when I stop.

"I'm too old and we don't have enough time to make the 8 Hours, because it’s the only week or 10 days of holiday we have between the first part and the second part [of the year]. So if you spend that week in Suzuka, it’s a big stress physically and mentally. I think you can pay in the second half.

"Maybe in future when I stop, I want to try with Yamaha. It’s a great race."

Rossi doesn't want No. 46 to be retired

Rossi was also asked for his thoughts on MotoGP's decision to retire the No. 58 of Marco Simoncelli nearly five years on from the Italian rider's death at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.

The seven-time premier class champion said he would like to see others given the chance to use the No. 46 - which Rossi has worn ever since his premier class debut in 2000 - if they wish.

"I was thinking, my first impression is that I don’t like that the No. 46 would be cancelled," said Rossi.

"I prefer it to remain, and if some other rider wants to take that number, he can do."