Rossi set to be F1 tester

Reports in the Italian press suggest MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is being lined up to become Ferrari’s official F1 test driver in 2007.

Rossi tested a Ferrari last week behind closed doors and insiders believe this test was taken much more seriously by both driver and manufacturer than in April, when the test was said to be about ‘satisfying curiousity.”

Sources say he covered 375km in the two-day test, so Rossi is now eligible for a Formula 1 superlicence.

Rossi’s MotoGP deal with Yamaha lasts until the end of 2006.