Valentino Rossi will test the Ferrari F1 again

Valentino Rossi will later in the month undertake a new private test in a Formula 1 car. The Italian – who won his ninth MotoGP World Championship title in 2009 – will test a Ferrari Scuderia F2007 for one day.

Rossi already tested an F1 car in 2006 over several days. He was considering a switch to Formula 1 then. Since then, this idea is completely outdated, and Rossi no longer intends to join the four-wheel grid, considering himself too old. In November 2008, he was offered a two-day testing session for enjoyment and recently asked if Ferrari could let him drive on the track again. The Scuderia is happy to invite him but with a 2007 car, just as Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa did a few weeks ago. Indeed, with the new private test rules, the teams are limited to an annual mileage that must not be exceeded.

« I can confirm that Valentino – as we promised him when he won his MotoGP title a few months ago – will test a 2007 Ferrari in Barcelona on January 20 and 21. » confirms Stefano Domenicali, Director of the Scuderia, during a conference at the Wroom Ski Meeting.

Even though Rossi considered a move to Formula 1 at the end of 2006, the Italian no longer aspires to it. Domenicali, however, covets him as a candidate if Ferrari were to have three cars in the Championship… « A driver of Valentino [Rossi]’s talent could be interested in such a project. » But Rossi is not the only MotoGP rider who interests the Italian manager: « I heard that Casey Stoner wanted to focus on the motorcycle championship, but he would like to understand the world of F1… so we will see. »

Casey Stoner races for Ducati in MotoGP; a brand very close to Ferrari. A test could therefore be organized at the end of 2010 for the Australian who is considering a switch to the V8 Supercars Australia championship.