Rossi not ruling out future F1 switch

Despite turning down the opportunity to race in Formula One with Ferrari on more than one occasion, Valentino Rossi is refusing to rule out a future switch to the premier four-wheeled category.

Having also turned down Ferrari a few years ago, multiple MotoGP champion Rossi, 30, had some observers sensing a bid for mere publicity when he revealed that he was also in contention for Giancarlo Fisichella's Monza seat.

To Italian television Tg1, however, Rossi insists the news was "serious" but he simply "did not feel ready" to replace the injured Felipe Massa with so little preparation.

But "never say never", he is quoted as adding.

Rossi said Ferrari's interest dates back to his extensive tests for the Maranello marque a few years ago, "because I was fast back then".

He said figures for the Prancing Horse enquired of him, "What are you doing in bikes? You need to be in Formula One."

"I feel that I am still young. I have time," Rossi said.