Sunday March 7th, 2004

World motorcycle Grand Prix champion Valentino Rossi could make a switch to Formula One and test for Ferrari after checking out the team during the Australian Grand Prix.

London-based Italian Rossi admitted on Sunday that he is looking for the chance to move into Formula One - and he is understood to have had initial discussions with Ferrari boss Jean Todt in Melbourne.

Rossi, who won his second consecutive MotoGP title last year, said: "I hope that it is possible to do Formula One. I started off in karting when I was young before going to motorbikes and I've always liked cars."

Rossi was in Australia testing for his new Yamaha team but he took time out to speak to Todt and meet Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello in the build up to the race.

In a statement, Ferrari confirmed: "(Rossi) had a chat with Jean Todt and he wanted to take a look around the Ferrari set up to meet the team so he was taken around the garage and the pits."

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Rossi's effervescent personality would be ideal for the sport, which has suffered in recent years from Schumacher's dominance.

Published at 09:45:55 GMT

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(03-11-2005): Australian GP Paddock Gossip (03-09-2005): Greece Finds Site for Formula One Track (03-09-2005): Red Bull Set to Get Honda Engines in 2006 (03-08-2005): Schumacher in Line for Sporting Oscars (03-07-2005): Daily Grapevine Sunday Analysis - Australia

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