After almost 15 seasons and a record 246 MotoGP races, Valentino Rossi has unrivalled premier-class experience.

But which, of all the machines he has raced, have been his favourites?

"Now in MotoGP the level of the bikes is unbelievable," replied the Italian, a winner of seven 500cc/MotoGP titles and a record 80 races.

"It is a great pleasure to ride, because the bikes now have a very high limit in everything - braking, power in acceleration, but also corner speed and grip on the edge. So it is a great moment.

"I would put this year's bike together with the Honda 500 - that was fantastic - and the other bike that was incredible was the Yamaha M1 in 2005. I would put the current M1 at more-or-less the same level as those."

35-year-old Rossi has signed to remain a Yamaha MotoGP rider until at least the end of 2016.

Valentino Rossi: 500cc/MotoGP Career Summary: 2000: Honda 500cc [V4] two-stroke (2 wins, 2nd overall).2001: Honda 500cc [V4] two-stroke (11 wins, Champion).2002: Honda 990cc [V5] four-stroke (11 wins, Champion).2003: Honda 990cc [V5] four-stroke (9 wins, Champion).2004: Yamaha 990cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (9 wins, Champion).2005: Yamaha 990cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (11 wins, Champion).2006: Yamaha 990cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (5 wins, 2nd overall).2007: Yamaha 800cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (4 wins, 3rd overall).2008: Yamaha 800cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (9 wins, Champion).2009: Yamaha 800cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (6 wins, Champion).2010: Yamaha 800cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (2 wins, 3rd overall).2011: Ducati 800cc [V4] four-stroke (0 wins, 7th overall).2012: Ducati 1000cc [V4] four-stroke (0 wins, 6th overall).2013: Yamaha 1000cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (1 win, 4th overall).2014: Yamaha 1000cc [Inline 4] four-stroke (0 wins, 3rd overall)*

* After twelve rounds.