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Saturday June 27, 2009

Rossi brushes aside talk of F1 switch

ASSEN: Talk of a move into For­mu­la One car racing for Valentino Rossi was dismissed on Thursday as “cafe table discussions” by the Italian motorcycling champion.

The rumours were “designed to stimulate the imagination of the fans,” the 30-year-old told reporters from Italian media who asked him about reports he might join Ferrari as the stable’s third driver next season.

“I am quite happy about it, it could happen in 2011 – why not?” added the Yamaha rider.

Doc at work: Italy’s Valentino Rossi clinched pole position during the qualifying session for the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen yesterday. — AP

Rossi, who has won eight world titles in all including five in MotoGP and one in 500cc, will be fighting for his 100th Grand Prix victory at the Assen Grand Prix on Saturday.

“In 2010 I have a contract with Yamaha so it would be difficult or even impossible,” added Rossi. “What’s more, Ferrari do not have a third car and I have taken no decision about changing sport.

“I am riding my bike, I am happy at Yamaha and I want to stay concentrated on the championship with the objective of winning another title.”

“All this started when I was quick on some private tests but it’s one thing to make a good time alone in practice, and another to compete in a race,” he added. — AFP


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