Valentino Rossi and ToyotaF1

[Senna 0]

According to this week’s Autosport magazine, Toyota have offered the five-time world champion a test drive within the next few weeks.

Rossi was at the Australian Grand Prix last weekend and it is thought the Italian inked the deal with the Japanese giant then.

As part of the deal race driver Olivier Panis will try Rossi’s Yamaha 500cc motorcycle.

Rossi told Autosport: "My first motorsport experience was in karting.

"I have done some rallies, but I hope to try an F1 car someday, maybe it will happen."

The 24-year old had been linked with a test drive for BAR and Ferrari but nothing was agreed.

He’ll be hoping the experience is more of a success than his rally debut – Rossi took part in the 2002 Rally GB with Peugeot but crashed out on the first day.

[Taku 0]

i wouldn't be surprised, the man can basically do whatever he wants. "i'da lika to driva tha rally mobiles eh? gette me a driva" then he crashes on the first day. "eh,no problemmo'. it was a great funna"

but i do remember him considering the ferrari drive last year and his dad came out saying he wanted it to be a serious effort if he did. you know, to guage his post-moto gp prospects, and that he didn't want valentino to rush into it and look silly.

looks like a toyota drive/yamaha ride swap would ensure that it doesn't look like a serious career move..yet..

[nojvnof1 0]

It's just one big PR stunt, although it would be great if Vale came to F1, and they thought JV rocked the establishment, this guy would crush it!!

I recall Winfield doing something similar in '98 with Mick Doohan and Tommi Makkinen driving Jacques Villeneuve's '97 car in Winfield livery, however Williams wouldn't let JV get on the bike. Don't know if he went in the rally car however.

shaun