Mercedes open to MotoGP test for Hamilton

Mercedes has opened the door for a potential MotoGP test for the team’s reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Last year, the Briton said: "When my dad bought me my first go-kart I actually wanted a motorbike.

"I’d love to test a MotoGP bike just to see what it’s like."

The natural fit for a Hamilton test would be the MotoGP team Yamaha, as it boasts ’superstar’ counterpart Valentino Rossi and a sponsor - the energy drink Monster - in common with Brackley based Mercedes.

Rossi admitted last year he would like to see Hamilton try the Yamaha, and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff now says: "It would not be a problem for us if he (Hamilton) wanted to do it.

"On the contrary, it’s a fun idea," Wolff told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Besides, I think he has already ridden a motorcycle in the past."

Also on board is Lin Jarvis, Yamaha’s MotoGP chief.

"For now it is just an idea," he said, "but clearly it would be very interesting."