Valentino Rossi testing a Ferrari F1 car in 2008
9 time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi would be welcome to make the switch from two wheels to four and join Ferrari after team boss Stefano Domenicali and driver Felipe Massa both admitted they would like him at the Maranello team.
The 30-year-old Italian Rossi has tested a Ferrari Formula 1 car twice, in 2006 and 2008, and will make his third appearance in a 2008-spec Ferrari on Wednesday and Thursday at Barcelona, despite recently suffering an appendix scare.
When Rossi tested an F1 car for the first time in 2006, Rossi was little more than a half second behind Michael Schumacher’s best time. Schumi hailed Rossi as having immense talent and said he would be perfectly capable of moving to Formula One and being competitive immediately.
On the subject of whether Rossi could make a full time switch to F1, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa said:
“It’s not sure that the third car will be allowed, but if it is, Valentino will be welcome.”
Team Principal Stefano Domenicali agreed:
“For us, the third machine would represent a good move for F1. Especially if a driver like Valentino would be interested.”
Would you like Rossi to switch to F1?
I have always thought of him going to rallying for some reason. With Schumi back at 31 he does still have time but not a lot as it will be a whole learning process. If he makes the change it will have to be soon, three cars are unlikely to be happening anytime soon and I doubt Rossi would switch unless he knew for certain that he could win.
Of course there’s no room at Ferrari though is there. This third car rule will NEVER happen either. So, Valentino wouldn’t get a seat even if he was available.