Rossi: gamble bigger for me than Ferrari

"Of course it is a big gamble and a big risk for them (Ferrari) as well, even if not as big as it is for me," the Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 27-year-old rider said in March he would decide within the next three months whether to stay in the series he has dominated for the past five years or make the leap to Formula One in 2007.

"We will know something between now and June," he said. "I have tried not to think about it for a while, that way I will have a clearer mind when I have to make the decision."

Rossi played down a suggestion that relations with Maranello may have cooled. "I don't think there is an anti-Rossi camp (within Ferrari)." he said. "There are people who are thinking coldly about the pros and cons."

Rossi, competing in Saturday's Qatar Grand Prix after struggling in the Spanish season-opener, said he hoped to stay with Yamaha in MotoGP if the Ferrari link did not happen.

"I honestly don't know whether there is a signed contract, but my wish is to stay with Yamaha," he said.