Trulli welcomes Rossi to F1

Rossi will test for Ferrari at the Valencia circuit today, and for the first time since he made his Formula One debut the Italian will measure himself against other drivers, including Ferrari's former World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Speaking in a letter written for Gazzetta dello Sport, Trulli has welcomed Rossi and also has given some advice to his compatriot.

"Allow me to welcome you in F1 with a smile, also on behalf of my colleagues, who will not only be anxious to observe you, but also to meet you and to chat with you," wrote Trulli.

"We have been waiting for you, after reading what you were up to in Fiorano and Mugello. But even I didn't think you would compare yourself so soon with us.

"Being a few years older than you, allow me to give you some advice: don't look at the chronometer; do things calmly; start to understand how the car behaves as the fuel load decreases, how the various set of tyres perform, how to lay down strategies.

"You'll see, it's a fascinating but tough job. Speak a lot to your engineers, face them, ask questions.

"Only after that, each performance over a lap will have its own meaning, whether in perspective or not. Remember that, to drive 1.5 seconds off the track record is easy, but the last two tenths will make you suffer.

"In the meantime, hats off to you for the courage you're showing this time too. And keep up the good work."