Rossi rules out F1 switch to overtake Agostini
Added on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Rossi rules out F1 switch to overtake Agostini
MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has once again quashed rumours of a switch to Formula One, suggesting that he plans to break Giacomo Agostini’s record of 122 grand prix wins.
Rossi, who won a ninth championship in Sepang on Sunday, has persistently been linked with a move to Formula One, having tested for Ferrari in the past and been offered a contract by the team in 2006 before eventually signing a new deal with Yamaha.
A career in Rally driving has also appealed to the Italia after he drove at the Wales GB Rally last year but Rossi, who has a contract with Yamaha until the end of 2010, claims that he plans to remain in MotoGP for another two seasons.
“If I had to decide today I would sign up straight away for another two seasons,” he stated.
That would give him the time to top Agostini, with Rossi currently on 103 race wins, although a stronger challenge would be expected from Casey Stoner and teammate Jorge Lorenzo.
“Next year I want to defend the title and have other good battles with Lorenzo and Stoner,” added the 30-year-old.
“Maybe I can get close to that record of 122. It depends what I decide in 2011, if I take a one or two-year contract.”
Yamaha team manager Davide Brivio weighed into the argument, suggesting that Rossi’s age would become a barrier to any future F1 career.
“The more years that pass, the older he gets for F1,” he claimed. “The chances are lessening in my opinion. And we will do everything we can to keep him.”
