( CNN ) -- They are two of the biggest names in motorcycle racing , and tensions were high the last time they were on the same team , but Jorge Lorenzo says rival Valentino Rossi 's return to Yamaha is `` good news . '' Rossi left the Japanese team in 2010 after Lorenzo won his first world MotoGP championship , ending the Italian 's two seasons of dominance . Rossi , who won the world title four times with Yamaha and three with Honda , has struggled to be competitive since joining Ducati , managing just two podium placings in 28 races . The 33-year-old has agreed a deal for the 2013 and 2014 seasons , resuming a partnership which Yamaha described as a `` super team '' when the news was announced last Friday . Lorenzo extends championship lead with Italian win . `` I think our relationship has got better , though maybe it 's got better because we were in different teams , '' Lorenzo said on the MotoGP website ahead of this weekend 's Indianapolis Grand Prix . `` It 's good news for Yamaha because we achieved a lot of good results together . It 's a big motivation to have him back because I always like to have the best riders in my garage . `` Valentino is one of them . I assume trying to beat me will be a big motivation for him . For Yamaha , it will be a good thing , that 's the most important thing . '' Rossi won 46 races in his seven years at Yamaha , but his final season was blighted by injuries and Lorenzo took full advantage . The Spaniard lost his crown to Casey Stoner last year but tops this season 's standings by 23 points from Honda 's Dani Pedrosa with five wins and four second-placings from 10 of the 18 races so far . Rossi is eighth overall , but still ahead of Lorenzo 's 10th-placed American teammate Ben Spies , who will leave Yamaha at the end of this season . `` Someone who has talent normally keeps it and does n't lose it like this in two years , '' Lorenzo said of Rossi . `` He is still young enough . He is 33 , he has won a lot of races . With the Yamaha a better bike this year , it will be easier for him . `` It 's true that us younger riders are getting stronger , more experienced and more consistent , but we have to remember that Valentino has won a lot of races . We have to respect that and keep it in mind . '' The 25-year-old missed out on a podium place at Indianapolis last year when Spies passed him to take third , but won the U.S. race in 2009 and has twice been third himself . `` I really enjoy riding the Indy track , and have good memories here from my podiums in 2008 and 2010 and my great win in 2009 , '' Lorenzo said . `` Last year I really struggled with grip in the race so I hope we can improve that this year . I 've had a nice break but also been training to make sure I 'm fit for this weekend ! '' Honda 's Stoner and Pedrosa have won the last two Indianapolis races , and both are seeking to cut Lorenzo 's lead following MotoGP 's midseason break . `` In these two weeks I was able to relax a little , enjoy time with friends and get back into my training , '' Pedrosa said . `` At this time of year , Indianapolis is normally very hot so fitness is always key . I enjoy riding at this track and I 've had good results in the past . I am really looking forward to this race and will fight to win and maintain the consistency we have showed in the first part of the championship . '' Stoner is 32 points adrift of Lorenzo in third place despite winning four races this season , which will be his last as he plans to retire after the final race in Valencia at the relatively young age of 27 . `` I 'm not the biggest fan of Indy , mainly because we do n't go on the historical track but the infield and in the wrong direction , '' said Australia 's two-time world champion . `` The track is very flat and plain , also very tight . There are a couple of corners that can be fun but the majority are difficult , tight and there is n't any natural flow to the track . ''
Valentino Rossi will return to Yamaha on two-year deal from start of 2013 season . Seven-time world champion has struggled since leaving to join Ducati in 2011 . MotoGP series leader Jorge Lorenzo welcomes the return of his former teammate . Spaniard says Rossi will be motivated by the prospect of renewing their rivalry .