DESPITE SIGNING for Fiat Yamaha until 2010, seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi is still interested in a four-wheel career following news of a confirmed approach from the Italian A1GP team.
Team Italy have confirmed to autosport.com that they have started negotiations with Rossi and the Yamaha team over the possibility of signing the Rossi for the 2008-09 A1GP season.
The move could be scuppered however by Rossi’s commitments to Yamaha’s winter testing programme although A1GP rules do allow nations to interchange drivers throughout the season.
A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira confirmed that the 29-year-old was an option and believes that he could be a success in the so-called “World Cup of Motorsport”.
“Rossi, we’re looking at him and I think he’d do a good job too,” Teixeira said.
Speculation has surrounded Rossi over a possible move to four-wheel racing, with strong reports linking him with a drive in the World Rally Championship whilst the current MotoGP championship leader has already tested Formula One cars for the Ferrari team.
Current Team Italy rider Piercarlo Ghinzani also welcomed the news, claiming that he would relish the prospect of having Rossi on board.
“It would be a fantastic situation to have him,” said Ghinzani. “I am a friend of Valentino’s and we have spoken about it.”
