Schumacher impressed by Rossi’s F1 test
IMOLA: Michael Schumacher believes motorcycling world champion Valentino Rossi has what it takes to switch from two wheels to four.
However, the six-times Formula One champion questioned whether the Italian would be able to make the grade at the very highest level.
Rossi, 25, impressed Schumacher with a secret Ferrari test at the team's Fiorano test track on Wednesday, lapping the circuit in under a minute in the German's F1 car.
“He got on pretty good. He took some time to get into it but in the end I think he handled it very impressively,” Schumacher told a news conference before Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix where he seeks his fourth win in four races.
“Once you have the racing blood then you sort of know what to do.
“He has great ability, he has shown that many times on his racing bike and he has shown that to some degree in what he did yesterday,” added Schumacher.
“He knows how much basic knowledge and experience you need in the lower classes to build up to this top level,” the German said.
“I would probably say he would come to a certain level which would be maybe competitive but to come to the final bit is usually the difficult bit.
“But I don't think it is the point because he just wanted to enjoy himself and I'm pretty sure he did, looking at the grin he had on his face yesterday.
Briton John Surtees, still the only man to win titles on two wheels and four, has urged Rossi to quit MotoGP for Formula One.
“Valentino should move to Formula One and he should do it now. He has the right age and the right motivation, he shouldn't waste any time,” the 70-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport before Rossi's test. – Reuters
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