MotoGP legend tests for Ferrari

Valentino Rossi thinks he could get to the top in F1. The MotoGP world champion made the claim after testing for Ferrari at Mugello on Thursday.

Rossi has tested in a Ferrari before, and proved his four-wheeled prowess by finishing second at the Rally of Monza - an event he has won before - last week.

The Italian completed 30 laps of Mugello in an F2008, recording a fastest time of 1:22.5 before bad weather curtailed the session. That’s almost two seconds off the pace of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa.

“The times we did in Fiorano, here and in Valencia have been analysed and with some good hard work and lots of effort I could become a good Formula One driver,” said Rossi.

“It’s difficult to say whether or not I would win, but the potential is definitely there.” 

He certainly doesn’t lack confidence. Do you think he’s got what it takes to make it in F1? We reckon Seb Loeb would have a much better chance.

Crasher bonus! Watch footage of Mr Rossi’s Ferrari test below:

MotoGP legend to race for Children in Need

Valentino Rossi will compete in next month’s Wales Rally, an event he competed in six years ago without success. The Italian will drive a Ford Focus in aid of the BBC’s Children in Need charity event. Prior to the Welsh event, he will also take part in the Monza Rally, an event he won in 2006 and 2007.

“I am hoping for a good result at next weekend’s Monza Rally to prepare for the forests of Wales,” said Rossi. “I’m also delighted to be supporting BBC Children in Need, which does such vital work in the UK.”

Mr Rossi seems obsessed with four-wheeled machines at the moment. On November 20/21, he will test in a Ferrari F2008 at Mugello.

Motorbike legend keen on another four-wheeled foray

Valentino Rossi is in talks with Ferrari about a possible F1 test. The Italian has tested in a Ferrari twice before, in 2005 and 2006, but he decided to stick with two wheels - he won the MotoGP championship this season.

“We are working on it, it can happen,” Rossi said. “However, we don’t know yet whether we will and on what day. We’ll know something after the end of the F1 Championship.”

However, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa’s seats are safe. Rossi has no intention of getting off his bike.

“It’s just for fun,” he said. “I’m happy if they let me try it again, because I miss it a bit. However there’s no other ambition, because I signed a contract for two more years for Yamaha. It will just be for passion and I think Valentino Rossi with Ferrari is fun for Italy.”

Gridcrasher bonus! Watch a video of Rossi’s previous Ferrari test:

Goateed half of Brangelina reveals hero worship of MotoGP star

Take a guess… who does Brad Pitt idolise above any other? His wife… his kids, perhaps… best mate George Clooney… President-in-waiting Barack Obama, even? No, you’re not even close, which is a little worrying given that we told you in the headline. Oh, the photo above gives you a fairly decent clue, too.

Yes, Brad worships at the altar of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. In a recent interview with Riders Italian magazine, the actor said:

Even Moto GP champions have to answer when nature calls

Italian is champion once again

MotoGP living legend Velentino Rossi secured his sixth world title with a dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday. The title is the Fiat Yamaha rider’s first since 2005. The 29-year-old’s victory gave him an unbeatable 92-point lead with three races still remaining.

“It’s a great victory and a great achievement,” he said. “It’s at the same level as the first title with Yamaha in 2004, maybe even better.” Rossi had to pass title rival Casey Stoner during the race to claim his victory. And the Italian showed no sign of being content with his six championship victories.

Misano’s finest

More grid girls after the jump…

A cavalcade of paddock talent

Grid Crasher brings you the hottest talent from the first half of the 2008 MotoGP season.

More pit babes after the jump…