Rossi inline for a testing role? - 10th August 21:22pm GMT

MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi is being lined up for a role as Ferrari’s official test driver in the near future, according to reports in the Italian press.

As reported last week on this site, the multiple world motorcycle champion tested an F2004 at Fiorano.

The test was conducted behind closed doors, with Rossi sporting a plain red helmet, and no times were released.

However, Italian magazine Autosprint reports that Ferrari insiders have said that Rossi recorded a best lap of 57.2s – less than 1.5s shy of the track record set by Michael Schumacher in 2004.

By covering some 375km over two days Rossi is now eligible for a Formula 1 superlicence, which requires drivers to have completed at least 300km over that period.

The Italian has played down rumours and insisted he wanted to sample F1 machinery simply to satisfy his curiosity – but is understood that last week’s test, which he described as “intensive and interesting” was taken far more seriously by both himself and Ferrari than his previous run.

However, it remains unlikely that Rossi will switch disciplines until the end of 2006, when his current contract with Yamaha expires.