Rossi may opt for rallying

The Italian ace, who has been strongly linked with making the jump to F1, has previously been reluctant to talk about any definitive plans after his biking career comes to an end, but now is looking increasingly unlikely to go grand prix racing.

Instead, Rossi has suggested that if he does decide to take up four-wheeled competition it would most likely be with rallying rather than circuit racing.

Rossi met with Fiat vice president Lapo Elkann at the recent Bologna Motorshow and is understood to have privately told him that he can see himself taking up rallying on a professional basis in the not too distant future.

Rossi has already taken part in several rallies and, despite a host of major shunts in early attempts, he recently impressed on the famous Monza Rally last month to finish third in a Toyota Corolla.

Speaking about the meeting with Elkann, Rossi explained that he had told him that he wanted to see Fiat back in world rallying with one of its brands.

When asked why, Rossi said: "Because I would like to drive rallies for Fiat after my bike career."

Speculation about Rossi making the switch to F1 was fuelled dramatically when he tested a Ferrari at Fiorano earlier this year in a top secret test.

And although he has coy about his future plans, it was only at the end of another title-winning MotoGP campaign that Rossi admitted that he was definitely sticking with bikes for now.

"My contract with Yamaha is already assured next year and I plan to defend my championship title," he said at the final round of the season. "I do not know what happens after that but I am not finished with motorcycle racing yet. I plan to continue for some time."