Valentino Rossi confirms Ford drive in Rally GB

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has confirmed he will drive a Ford Focus in the Rally GB in early December.

The Italian had been weighing up Ford and Subaru options for the Rally GB, which he will compete in for the second time on December 7, having failed to complete the first stage back in 2002.

“I will race with Ford. I have some tests on the gravel with the WRC car before the event, “said the 29-year-old.

Rossi, who will also drive the Monza Rally next month, said: “I love to race with the rally car. It is one of my great passions and unfortunately the only time I can do it is between November and December. I am very excited because I always have fun with the car and there is less pressure than in MotoGP. So I can have a lot of fun.”

Rossi’s last appearance in WRC was an impressive one as he finished 11th while driving for Subaru in the New Zealand rally. Rossi goes into Sunday’s Valencia GP in Spain aiming to notch his 10th win of 2008.