Rossi to test BAR F1 car

Valentino Rossi is lined up to test an F1 car at the end of the year. The boss of British American Racing (BAR) David Richards has reached an agreement with the 23-year-old’s Repsol Honda squad to try out with the team.

Negotiations are on-going but Honda motorcycle bosses told motorcyclenews.com this morning that all that needs to be finalised is a date and venue for Rossi’s F1 debut.

Richards is convinced Rossi could be the first man since John Surtees to lift world titles at the highest levels of two and four-wheeled motorsport.

BAR enjoys a close relationship with Honda and will be the sole beneficiary of Honda engines in F1 in 2003. The factory is said to be examining the proposal closely, given all the attendant interest such a move would generate worldwide.

Rossi has already demonstrated his flair for four wheels with impressive drives against the world’s best rally professionals at celebrity events like the Michelin Race of Champions and he’ll be competing in the 2002 Rally of Great Britain, November 14-17, in a Peugeot 206.

Rossi, who added the maiden MotoGP title at the weekend to his world 125, 250 and 500cc titles with a win in Rio, actually began his motorsport career in go-karts before moving to bikes, as they were cheaper to race!

What do think of this story? Could Rossi do that elusive motorsport double and join Surtees as a definitive all-time great? Should he go to F1? Click on the link on the right and tell us.

We’ll have more on this story in the October 3 issue of MCN.