Formula 1
Rossi tries a Ferrari for size
MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi traded two wheels for four on April 21st when he got behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2004. The Italian had his first taste of an F1 car at Fiorano for a few laps and made an impressive debut, reportedly setting a ...
Published: Apr 22, 2004, 4:02 PM
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MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi traded two wheels for four on April 21st when he got behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2004. The Italian had his first taste of an F1 car at Fiorano for a few laps and made an impressive debut, reportedly setting a time three seconds shy of Michael Schumacher's lap record.
Rossi, who joined Yamaha this season after racing for Honda, won the first MotoGP race of the season on April 18th, and made history by becoming the first man to take consecutive victories for different manufacturers. He has previously been linked with other F1 teams for a possible try out but Ferrari's offer was the one he accepted.
"It was a very exciting day for me," said Rossi. "Driving an F1 car was an amazing experience and it was great for me to follow in Schumacher's footsteps for a day. I would like to thank Ferrari for having given me this opportunity."
Ferrari did a shakedown of the cars to be used at the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix, Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barrichello completing 16 laps between them. The best time of the day was 58.433, although Ferrari did not specify which driver set it. The pair also did some laps in the Maserati MC12 as part of a development test programme.
Ferrari traditionally goes well at San Marino, one of its 'home' races, and Schumacher won last year's race. "We always do well at Imola and I hope that we are able to live up to our billing as favourites," said the German in regard to this weekend's event.
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