Rossi tests with Ferrari again - 3rd August 18:21pm GMT

World MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi tested a Ferrari Formula One car, one day after extending his contract with Yamaha's MotoGP team until 2006.

The 26-year-old, who tested for Ferrari last year, requested the session.

Watched by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, he drove last season's model, the F2004, in an extended test at the team's private Fiorano circuit.

He completed 80 laps with a best time of 59.21 - three seconds slower than Michael Schumacher's track record.

The four-time MotoGP champion, who extended his contract with Yamaha on Tuesday, first tested a Ferrari in April 2004 and has also raced on four wheels in some rally races.

There has long been speculation that he could eventually abandon bikes for a move into F1 but Rossi has recently played down that possibility.

British driver John Surtees made the move from two wheels to four more than 40 years ago, winning the 1964 F1 title for Ferrari after achieving seven motorcycling championships.

But the last driver to switch was Venezuela's Johnny Cecotto, who raced in F1 in 1983 and 1984.

If Rossi were to race for Ferrari, he would have the chance to become the first Italian driver to win a title for the Italian team in 50 years - the last was Alberto Ascari in 1952 and 1953.

Although Ferrari said Rossi's session was a private test, Yamaha team boss Davide Brivio was aware of the event - unlike last year.

"Valentino let us know about it," said Brivio. "His contract allows him to do it. In his free time, Valentino can do what he wants."

Rossi on his drive: “I wanted to get a better understanding of a Formula 1 car – said Valentino Rossi – and I would like to thank Ferrari for giving me the opportunity to do so. The two days were intensive and interesting. I completed a lot of kilometres and I began to understand the handling of the car, working with the engineers and marc Gené. I go back to the two wheels where there is still a long way to go to the end of the season”.