Valentino Rossi set for Ferrari F1 test

Valentino Rossi will be back behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula One car next week.

The reigning MotoGP world champion will get a two-day run out in an older version of Ferrari’s F1 car at the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona, starting next Wednesday.

The test will be Rossi’s first for Ferrari since the end of 2008 and was confirmed by the Italian manufacturer today at its team launch in Madonna di Campiglio.

The latest test will no doubt lead to countless speculation that the 30-year-old, who is bidding for a tenth world title on two wheels in 2010, is seriously contemplating a switch to F1 when he decides to walk away from MotoGP.

Rossi’s current factory Yamaha deal expires at the end of 2010 but he has already dropped big hints that he will continue racing beyond next season.

Rossi, who is unbeaten in MotoGP since being demolished by Ducati rival Casey Stoner in 2007, also recently distanced himself from a full-time F1 switch on his first visit to India last week.

Rossi told Indian media he would be too old to make the move once he decided to quit motorcycle racing.