News, 30/04/04
Valentino Rossi has ruled out a future in Formula 1 despite admitting that testing the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher at Fiorano last week was ‘like a dream’. The MotoGP World Champion has been strongly linked with a future switch to four-wheeled racing after also making an appearance in the World Rally Championship in the past, but he moved to scotch any rumours just hours ahead of the Gran Premio Marlboro de España at Jerez.
“It was only to play – because I love driving cars,” explained Rossi. “I started my racing career in a kart when I was very young because I wanted to become a Formula 1 driver, but after I changed and went to two wheels.
“But anyway, driving cars is one of my great passions – I have also done some races in World Rally Car. I had this great opportunity to try a Formula 1 car so I was very happy.
“It was a great sensation but it’s nothing for the future. I am a motorbike rider and now with Yamaha it is fantastic for me. It was only to try a Formula 1 car but we don’t have any other project for the future.
“For me it is maybe easier to drive a Formula 1 car than a rally car because it’s on a track but I don’t know if I’m able to drive a car like I ride the bike so it was only to try it out.
“I think everybody who has a little passion for racing would want to try a Formula 1 car – it’s like a dream.”
We shall see.... I bet he does eventually go there.
