Ferrari keen to see Valentino Rossi in F1: 'Looked at Sauber as an option'

Valentino Rossi tested for Ferrari several times between 2004 and 2010. The multiple world champion in MotoGP does not hide his interest in Formula 1. Nevertheless, Rossi has always remained loyal to the two-wheeled machines and never made the definitive switch to F1, something that could have easily happened in 2006.

Luca Di Montezemolo reveals that to Motorsport.com. The former Ferrari president followed Rossi closely and also saw him develop in a Formula One car. In 2004 Rossi was an Italian icon and for Ferrari it was the perfect opportunity to get an Italian in a Ferrari. At the time Michael Schumacher was driving the dominant Ferrari and the Italian dream of an Italian with Ferrari at the top of the podium seemed to be getting closer.

Rossi close to F1 debut

Rossi, in turn, could have followed John Surtees, who was the only driver ever to win in the 500cc and in F1. In 2004 Rossi drove his first test for Ferrari, and a debut was getting closer. Ferrari's interest was so high that they approached the FIA to see if the rules could be changed to allow a third car on the grid. Rossi was seriously fast. 

“Everyone knew then that it was not for sponsorship purposes, Ferrari didn't need it. In the beginning, you really saw the will of a great champion. I saw that he had strength and a lot of potential in him. At one point we looked at whether he could spend a year at Sauber. But he was smart and chose to stay the fastest, rather than drive around as fourth or fifth," Di Montezemolo said, referring to Rossi's stay in MotoGP..