Rossi to enter 2007 Rally GB

The former MotoGP champion, who last week contested the Rally New Zealand finishing in an impressive 11th position, had earlier this year considered a career in Formula One after testing several times with Ferrari.

"Yes, [rallying] could be my future after the bikes," the 27-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Formula One, as well, could have been within my reach, but I had my chance and I made a different choice. Rallying could be a good solution. Not an entire season, but maybe an eight-rally programme.

"In 2007 I will definitely do the Rally GB again at the end of the season.

"Rallies have always been one of my great passions and I want to do at least one every year. Then, when I'll quit with bikes, if there is the chance I'll happily [have a career in rallying]."

Rally New Zealand was the second WRC event ever contested by the Italian, the first one being the 2002 Wales Rally GB. That event ended early for Rossi when his car crashed into a ditch on the first special stage. The Italian is relieved to have reached the finish this time around.

"I'm happy because I was able to do everything I didn't manage to in 2002 at the RAC in Wales," said Rossi. "To go out after only 20 kilometres hurts. After having gone to the other side of the world and having done two extremely hard days of recce, to go off immediately would have irritated me."

Rossi has entered this weekend's Monza Rally, an event he's often contested in recent years but hasn't yet won. "Last year Dindo Capello beat me and he will again be my toughest rival," he said.

He will be at the wheel of a Ford Focus instead of the Prodrive-prepared Subaru Impreza used in New Zealand. "I would have used the Subaru again, but there was not enough time to let it get back," he commented. "The Focus, however, is more suited to asphalt."

Both MotoGP Team Yamaha boss Davide Brivio and Rossi's close friend and assistant Uccio Salucci will take part in the Monza Rally, each at the wheel of a Fiat Punto 1600. Salucci's co-driver will be Lapo Elkann, heir of the Agnelli family, the owners of Fiat.