03/02/2006
NEWS STORY
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Following a productive three-day test at Valencia, both Ferrari and Valentino Rossi have confirmed that the MotoGP sensation will take part in further tests over the coming months, prompting further speculation that the two-wheel star is heading for four.
"It has been a very interesting test, considering how it was the first time I lapped in a Formula One car along with other drivers," Rossi told the Ferrari website. "I have to say I felt at ease and had no particular problems. Maybe I need a little more experience of driving on a wet track."
Rossi's running was severely restricted on the first day of testing as a result of continuous rain, indeed the Italian failed to complete a single lap, having spun off after just a handful of turns - much to the delight of sections of the media.
Things improved over the next couple of days with Rossi completing a further 106 laps and outpacing a number of established F1 stars - albeit posted in a (restricted) V10 powered F2004.
"I did not come here to show anything to anybody but simply to broaden my understanding of a Formula One car and I thank Ferrari for continuing to give me this opportunity," added the Italian. "In the next few months there will be more tests but now I go back to motorcycling, which is foremost in my thoughts.
I, like Ferrari, have a task to face," he continued. "We both have championships to compete in and, possibly, to win."
Ferrari has confirmed that Rossi will take part in further tests, though no dates have been decided.
Meanwhile, seven-time world Champion, Michael Schumacher, believes that Rossi can make a smooth transition to four-wheels.
"Absolutely, it's completely possible for him," he told L'Equipe on Thursday. "He has enough talent to get there. I would even say that it is easier to go from bikes to cars than the other way round. And when, like him, you have this special feeling on two wheels, you can use it perfectly on four wheels."