Now MotoGP sponsor wants F1 switch for Rossi

The boss of the Italian carmaker Fiat has backed calls for Valentino Rossi to switch to formula one in 2011.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo this week said he wants F1’s rules to be changed so that the Italian team can enter a third car for the multiple and reigning champion of MotoGP.

Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of the Ferrari parent Fiat, admitted that Rossi at the wheel of a Maranello built single seater is "a great idea".

"Luca says he would like to have a third Ferrari car with Valentino — it’s a great idea if he (Rossi) is willing to do it," said Marchionne in Italian reports.

The comments are despite Rossi’s contractual ties to Fiat, with the carmaker a major sponsor of his MotoGP team Yamaha.

Marchionne said he "cannot say anything" about Rossi’s future, with the 31-year-old’s contract expiring this year.