Valentino Rossi believes he will receive another opportunity to claim a coveted 10th world championship after missing out on this year’s crown by five points.

The 36-year-old is approaching his 17th campaign in motorcycle racing’s top tier but is adamant that this season’s agonising defeat to Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo was not his last chance for success.

After a lean period with Ducati, Rossi has bounced back to form in the last two seasons at Yamaha, finishing as the runner-up in the championship standings.

This year Rossi led the championship up until the final round in Valencia where he lost the title to Lorenzo after a penalty saw him power from the back of the grid to fourth.

Although he is entering the twilight of his career, the Italian believes age is not a barrier to success as he gears ups for the 2016 campaign.

Rossi scored four victories while finishing outside the podium places on just three occasions during the 2015 season.

“If you check the history of human beings, between 36 and 37 is not a big difference,” said Rossi, who has seven 500cc/MotoGP crowns alongside 125cc and 250cc titles in 1997 and 1999.

“I’m not very worried. Next year I can go more or else at the same pace.

“But it depends a lot on the motivation, the match of the Yamaha with the Michelins, our work and everything else.

“Next year will be another story, and I will try as always.”

The 2016 MotoGP season begins at Qatar’s Losail circuit from March 18-20.