Rossi “To switch to F1 in 2007” says team boss

[Bob]

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi plans to race in Formula One from 2007, according to his Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio. Rossi's current Yamaha deal runs out at the end of the season but the Italian has agreed on a one-year extension.

"We have already agreed on a one-year contract and we know that from 2007 he will be in Formula One," said Brivio.

Rossi said he would consider switching to a car but did not indicate whether it would be Formula One or another format "From the end of 2006 I will be free and if I have offers to race in a car I will weigh them up," said the Italian. "When I was a kid I started out in cart racing and then, luckily, I discovered motorcycling but my passion for the car has remained. I've tried rallying and I like driving the powerful WRC (World Rally Championship) cars."

[Biff]

Has there ever been a WSB or MOTO GP rider that's ever driven in F1/NASCAR or similar?

It'd be interesting to see how, if he does, fare in an F1 car. In my mind they're too totally different sports (do I get a gold star for stating the obvious?), both demanding different techniques and skill sets.

If he makes the move, and is successful, then the guy would really be a legend. But I can't see it.

[Bob]

Has there ever been a WSB or MOTO GP rider that's ever driven in F1/NASCAR or similar?

It'd be interesting to see how, if he does, fare in an F1 car. In my mind they're too totally different sports (do I get a gold star for stating the obvious?), both demanding different techniques and skill sets.

If he makes the move, and is successful, then the guy would really be a legend. But I can't see it.

Mike Hailwood. OK, we're talking a good few years ago now, but the guy did do both... with mixed results, admittedly.

http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-haimik.html

[Biff]

Thanks Bob.
I remember reading about this guy some time ago, but hadn't realised he'd raced in F1. A genuine biking legend. Tragic story though.

[ricksta]

Rossi, racing in F1? i dont think any of the F1 teams would risk choosing him as one of their drivers....

well maybe the minardi.

[justsomeguy]

Rossi, racing in F1? i dont think any of the F1 teams would risk choosing him as one of their drivers....

well maybe the minardi.

Well the fact that he is "Rossi" may earn him (or perhaps he can personally finance) a test drive.

And he'll have to do pretty well to even be considered.

Tell me what does he earn at the moment??? Just for a comparo

Shoe-maker get about US$52m+endorsements+ad money+investments

By the way one of Shoe-maker's favourite passtimes is a harley in the US of A.

[TonyB]

Has there ever been a WSB or MOTO GP rider that's ever driven in F1/NASCAR or similar?

John Surtees. He is the only man to have won world championships on 2 wheels and 4. He was 500cc (or whatever it was at the time) world champ. Then he switched to F1 and won that too.

his exploits on motorcycles passed into legend and he took MV Agusta to countless victories and the World Championships in 1956 (500cc class), 1958, '59 and '60 (350 and 500). In that final year he also began the car racing career that would take him to the unique double by the age of 30.

I believe Rossi tested with Ferrari last year.

[SPORK]

Awwww.... But I suppose this will give other riders a chance now?

[John]

Hasn't he already test driven (I heard a ferrari) or other?

Its still not definate though, I still think a successful motogp rider will be more worth while in italy than a washed up F1 driver?...

[DrHook]

He has test driven a ferrari last year.

However Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha team director is now clarifying his comments. He didn't actually say that Rossi WILL be going to F1.

http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...d=6&nid=110725

[Ghost Lemur]

If he does go to F1 it better be to Ferrari.

He's already said he'll see his motoGP career out with Yamaha.

Personally one thing I'd like to see him do before he gives up two wheels is the IOMTT. That would rock.

[Coyote]

The best driver/rider isn't necessarily the fastest, in the eyes of some teams. Most teams will go for someone with an image or who is good at endorsing products i.e. the tyres they're using, the bikes brand, etc.

Rossi doesn't have to be a good F1 driver, but I team will pick him up soon enough

[TwoSeven]

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi plans to race in Formula One from 2007, according to his Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio. Rossi's current Yamaha deal runs out at the end of the season but the Italian has agreed on a one-year extension.

That would be good if he did.

ALthough on the satalite news this morning they semed to imply that it wasnt settled yet.

[Coldkiwi]

However Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha team director is now clarifying his comments. He didn't actually say that Rossi WILL be going to F1.

http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view...d=6&nid=110725

yes, it would seem rather odd for one race team manager to say about the series most successful racer and team player 'oh yeah, we're quite happy for our money printing machine to leave- in fact we'll help him!'

[Marco]

Would be good for Formula1, bad for MotoGP,

Valentino skyrocketed the popularity of MotoGP, what will happen if he leaves?. Maybe the price of MotoGP coverage will drop and we'll get it back on sky again.