Another mini-chapter in the history of motor sports, about which a lot was talked about in public. Italian motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi and his “flirtation” with Formula 1. Myths were told about his tests with Ferrari, which were revived by the alleged admiration of Michael Schumacher. The German champion watched the MotoGP star directly on the track and the legendary “Doctor” was, according to his own words, a step away from F1. It was said that it was enough to agree.
From today’s point of view, we are terribly sorry that we could not see it. At the time, Rossi’s tests with Ferrari were accompanied by huge discussions. It is true that after the end of his motorcycling career, he really switched to four wheels and is not at all among athletes. However, it is still miles away from Formula 1. It’s a shame that we’ll never know how it could have ended, but twenty years later, the “Doctor” still remembers the open offer from Formula 1.
“It’s true that when I won the title with Yamaha in 2004, Stefano Domenicali called me and said: ‘I have to let you test Formula 1.’ So we went to Fiorano for the test. I was quite fast and clocked a time under one minute – it was exactly 59.1 seconds.” he mentions Rossi before the podcast Gianlucu Gazzoliho.
“I remember the mechanics taking bets on whether I could go under one minute. So in the end I won. Followed by rides in Mugella and then a proper test in Valencia.” says the MotoGP legend, who had a big decision to make. It’s clear that a major Formula 1 motorcycle champion would be a blockbuster for any team. Of course, Ferrari had no place for him, but their Italian counterparts from Faenza would be more than happy to welcome him.
“I had to choose. If I agreed, I would race for Minardi, which was Ferrari’s B-team. If I was fast enough, the goal would be a racing seat in a Ferrari.” he mentions Rossi.
We all know how that ended. We’re certainly very curious to see what it would look like, but we’ll never know. “I was still 27 years old and I didn’t feel like taking that leap because I knew I could win a few more motorcycle titles. For me, two wheels were always the first choice. I was doing well in the car, but I’m still curious today. I don’t know what results I could have had,” added the man who became an absolute motoring legend even without appearing in Formula 1.
2024-01-01 13:42:52
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