Time could be right for Rossi's F1 switch

Such is the sport's rumour mill that Valentino Rossi badly breaking his leg has reignited speculation he might switch to Formula One sooner rather than later.

24 hours before he fell during MotoGP practice at Mugello last Saturday, the 31-year-old Italian admitted he would "like to explore the possibility" of racing a third Ferrari in F1.

With huge two-wheeled success behind Rossi, the New York Times' F1 correspondent Brad Spurgeon admits the news of the Mugello injury gave him pause for thought.

"My first thought was 'Could this finally be the end of his amazing run of dominating the sport?'

And "Whatever his physical state, will he have the motivation (to come back)? Maybe now is the time to see Rossi go out a few more times testing a Ferrari F1 car, as he has done as recently as a few months ago.

"Personally, I'd love to see someone come along and try again to do what only John Surtees has done: be a world champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula One," added Spurgeon.

Also in the wake of Rossi's crash, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said the Maranello marque fully supports the Italian's return to full fitness.

"Everyone at Ferrari is with you at this difficult time," he said in a statement posted on the team's official website.

"We are sure that you will be back on track soon, even stronger than before.

"If during your convalescence you feel you would like to do some training on four wheels, then remember that the door to Maranello is always open to you," added Montezemolo.