According to Jenna Fryer, a well-known Associated Press journalist, McLaren CEO Zak Brown had reportedly planned to sign the nine-time two-wheel world champion to take part in next year’s Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren.

“Now that it didn’t happen, the ‘huge’ Indy 500 one-off entry that Brown was pursuing was…” she wrote on his X profile, before sharing a GIF of the Italian rider.

‘The Doctor’ is widely regarded as one of the most successful MotoGP riders of all time, with nine world championships—seven of them in the premier class—and as one of the most iconic personalities in the world of sport.

Rossi, who hung up his helmet at the end of his MotoGP career in 2021, has pursued a career in car racing in recent years, competing in the GT World Challenge and the WEC, including a stint at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Arrow McLaren lineup for the Indy 500 will instead feature IndyCar legend Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won the prestigious race in 2014, alongside Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard.

A few months ago, Brown himself said in an interview with IndyStar, “We’ve got a trick up our sleeves, and it would be so cool if it happens. This one would be unreal,” sparking fans’ imaginations.

The 110th edition of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on May 24 next year, following this year’s race, which was won by Alex Palou with the Chip Ganassi team.