Rossi tests 206

Rossi and co-driver Carlo Cassina used the test session on the gravel roads to acquaint themselves with the Grifone-prepared car.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me to be able to drive in a World Championship round because rallying is my second passion after motorbikes," he said. "The kilometres I have been able to cover today have allowed me to familiarise myself with my Michelin 206 WRC and above all accustom myself to listening to the pacenotes read out by my co-driver Carlo."

"I felt very comfortable with the car and felt the same sensations as I do in MotoGP concerning cornering lines and engine power. On the other hand, braking distances are very different. "

"I won't be driving 100 percent on the first day of Rally GB. My objective? I've got about as much chance of winning the rally outright as I have of winning the soccer World Cup! There'll be at least 15 drivers ahead of me fighting for that. I just really want to go all the way to the finish..."

The Rally GB kicks off November 14