Rossi tires of speculation

The 25-year-old Italian has long been linked with a switch Formula 1, but dropped a major hint that he would prefer a career rallying instead just before Christmas.

But now, according to the week's Motorcycle News, Rossi has grown tired of the rumours and simply wants to concentrate on his bike career for the time being. "I race bikes," he said, "and that's all I think about. I don't know what I'll be doing tomorrow, let alone in two or three years time.

"The rumours have become a huge pain in the ass. I can't take it anymore."

Rossi fuelled speculation of a potential switch to F1 when tested for Ferrari at the team's Fiorano test track in the spring of 2004. But he then dropped hints that his future may lay in the WRC after telling Fiat vice president Lapo Elkann that he would like to drive rally cars for the company when his bike career has ended.

Either way Rossi has indicated that he intends to stick with MotoGP for the foreseeable future. "My contract with Yamaha is already assured next year and I plan to defend my championship title," he said at the final round of last 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."

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Rossi tires of speculation

Multiple world motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi has become annoyed with continued speculation over a possible switch to four-wheeled motorsport when he eventually retires from bike racing