Rossi on track with Ferrari

MotoGP star Valentino Rossi readily admits that he is now too old to make the switch to Formula One, but the Italian still enjoys the power of Formula One and has been busy testing again with Ferrari in Barcelona.

A two day test kicked off today in damp conditions with Rossi behind the wheel of a privately owned F2008 fitted with Bridgestone 2009-spec demonstration tyres to circumnavigate the current testing ban.

Rossi’s sixth test with Ferrari got off to a tricky start due to rain and some seating issues which delayed the programme. Conditions improved throughout the day however allowing the nine-time MotoGP champion to put in a total of 68 laps of the Spanish circuit, some 300km, with a best time of 1:25.200s. The time is roughly four seconds off the fastest lap in the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix.

“I’m happy. It was a good test, although it was wet in the morning and without grip I had some problems," Rossi explained. "Fortunately the dried off in the afternoon, I could use the slicks and improve my lap times.”

With the testing ban in place until next month, Felipe Massa will take over the F2008 on Friday to help him prepare for his first serious test since his life-threatening injuries sustained last July in Hungary.

"As the car and the track were available I thought it would be helpful to go onto the track for a day to continue gaining confidence with the Formula One," Massa said. "After the days in Fiorano and Mugello this will be a nice opportunity to get back driving on such an interesting and challenging track."