Rossi slides in F1 test

Valentino Rossi’s saw an embarasing start to his latest F1 test – spinning out on his first lap.

The test, which is Rossi’s first against other F1 drivers, was delayed for most of the day due to heavy rain but the MotoGP champion was allowed out in the 2004 Ferrari after the weather cleared.

Unfortunately his first attempt came to an abrupt end as he failed to feel how slippery the track still was, spinning the car in to the gravel as Honda driver Rubens Barrichello came flying past on only his first lap.

Despite having to be trailered back to the pits he still has another chance as testing continues until Friday.

F1 teams, including Honda, McLaren, Williams, BWM and Toyota are there.

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Rossi is driving the F2004, alongside Michael Schumacher. Both Schumacher and current team-mate Felipe Massa have contracts set to expire at the end of 2006, which would leave an opening for Rossi in 2007.

Due to his novice status, Rossi’s Ferrari carries a permanently flashing light to warn other drivers when he takes to the track.

The only previous rider to have won bike and car world championships is Britian’s John Surtees.