Bob
3rd November 2004, 01:41
John Surtees, who won world titles in both Motorcycling and Formula 1, believes Valentino Rossi needs to make the switch to F1 soon if he is to emulate Surtees’ achievement.
The 70-year-old who won seven world crowns on 350cc and 500cc motorcycles before embarking on a 12-year Formula One career which saw him win the 1964 title with Ferrari, insists Rossi, who has toyed with taking his career along the same path, should take the big step.
“If Vale wants to make his mark in F1 he needs to move while he is still getting better on a bike - not when he levels off. He certainly has the temperament to be an F1 racer but it all depends whether he has the speed. If you are naturally quick the rest will follow. Vale has made the bike world extremely exciting but he would add a whole new dimension to Formula One.”
Rossi tested with Ferrari last April. He has one year left on his Yamaha contract.
The 70-year-old who won seven world crowns on 350cc and 500cc motorcycles before embarking on a 12-year Formula One career which saw him win the 1964 title with Ferrari, insists Rossi, who has toyed with taking his career along the same path, should take the big step.
“If Vale wants to make his mark in F1 he needs to move while he is still getting better on a bike - not when he levels off. He certainly has the temperament to be an F1 racer but it all depends whether he has the speed. If you are naturally quick the rest will follow. Vale has made the bike world extremely exciting but he would add a whole new dimension to Formula One.”
Rossi tested with Ferrari last April. He has one year left on his Yamaha contract.