Rossi says DTM test 'just for fun'

The Italian was speaking after his first laps in the car at Hockenheim on Thursday, where he was driving Mika Hakkinen's former Mercedes C-Class.

The test was arranged after Rossi outlined his interest in driving the car and his management approached Mercedes, according to a spokesman from the manufacturer.

Rossi said: "I expressed a desire to try a DTM car after the Ferrari F1 and Maserati MC12, and Mercedes was very nice in giving me this."

Rossi initially went out on track for a passenger ride with 2006 DTM champion Bernd Schneider, before completing a handful of laps by himself on a damp track.

However, he stated that the test was not being used as a chance for him to consider a switch to the German-based series.

"There are absolutely no plans for a future commitment, just fun," he said.

Rossi is scheduled to complete more laps in the afternoon.