Grapevine: Rossi keen to test Ferrari again

The MotoGP legend tested for Ferrari several times between 2004 and 2006 as he evaluated a potential switch to F1, before eventually deciding that he would stay on motorcycles.

But speaking before he clinched his sixth MotoGP title at Motegi today, Rossi said he would be keen to reward himself with another taste of F1.

"What gift would I like should I win the title? I'd like to drive a Ferrari again. Not a road car, but the F1 one," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I must admit I miss that feeling a bit."

However Rossi thinks he is unlikely to get his wish, and reitereated that any test would purely be for fun.

"I don't think I'll have any more chances to drive it," he said. "Last time I drove it there was an objective, while this time it would be a simple desire, with no future in it."

He said he still had a strong relationship with the F1 team.

"That's remained excellent, and I carry on being in touch with (Stefano) Domenicali," said Rossi. "However, I have two more years of contract with Yamaha, and to start in F1 at 31 could be too late."

Domenicali played down the prospect of the test, but said that it was definitely possible if Rossi was serious.

"Valentino Rossi? He's great!" Domenicali told Gazzetta. "But that's what he's like, he quips a line and everyone hangs on his words. However, if he wants to, everything can be done."