News has emerged that Valentino Rossi was in discussions with Ferrari that could have seen him make his Formula One debut at Monza next weekend.
According to Rossi himself it was only a combination of bad timing and concerns about a lack of physical preparation that scuppered this dream opportunity.
In the build up to this weekend’s San Marino MotoGP Rossi explained, “We spoke with Domenicali, but we had two big problems.
“The first one is the neck, because I don’t know if I would be able to finish the race with my neck. Monza is not very strong (hard) for the neck, but anyway it still needs great effort.
“And also, because we’re fighting for the (MotoGP) championship, for sure the race at Monza would be a big stress and it’s better to stay in MotoGP.”
Don’t you reckon the tifosi would have gone completely nuts if Rossi was driving a Ferrari at Monza! I suppose fellow Italian Giancarlo Fisichella is the next best thing.
[Source: autosport | Pic: Yamaha Racing | Thanks to Dylan for the tip]
6 replies on “Rossi was in frame for Ferrari fill in”
I don’t buy it. Talk was one thing, actually following through with it is another. Ferrari would have realised that their chances of defending third place in the constructor’s will be blown by putting someone like Rossi in the seat. Good as he is, he will not have the pace of any current F1 driver. But then again, Ferrari was willing to forego 2 races worth of points by giving Luca Badoer a chance…
If they did have Rossi compete at Monza and I was Badoer, I’d seriously question my talents as a driver.
Ah but Floody, Rossi in Monza is $$$ for Ferrari. Surely even Badoer understands that!
I hear Jesus Christ was interested but his Dad wouldnt let him 🙁
Wayne you really think Ferrari would pick money over championship points? Granted they wont win the championship though.
Lol @ Stubby.
No doubt Rossi can drive but not an F1, he had his chance and passed it up.