Ferrari to test Rossi 'over next months'

Rossi has been testing for Ferrari recently and has been linked with a possible full-time race drive with the team in 2007, especially if Michael Schumacher decides to retire when his contract expires.

"I admire Valentino, who will do more tests with Ferrari," Todt told reporters at the team's winter retreat in the Dolomites. "Then it will be the one deciding whether to try [to come to F1] or not."

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport writes that Rossi, when told of Todt's announcement about doing more tests with Ferrari, stayed silent for a few seconds, clearly embarrassed.

"I don't know," said the Italian rider. "It's possible I'll do more tests with Ferrari. At the moment I'm busy with testing with Yamaha."

But later confirmed: "The tests will definitely happen over the next months, but there isn't a finalized schedule yet."

Todt, showing his admiration for Rossi, further added: "We like seeing him drive the Ferrari. Once I read I scolded him for having come to Maranello in shorts. As far as I'm concerned, he can even come in underpants."