Rossi speaks out on testing ban

REIGNING MOTOGP World Champion Valentino Rossi has said he is confident Yamaha will allow the Italian to test with Ducati following the final round of the 2010 season at Valencia.

Rossi's comments come after Yamaha MotoGP boss Masao Furusawa hinted the team will prevent the Italian from taking part in the post-season test,  insisting Rossi will be "wearing blue until the end of the year".

"I hope there is no problem, especially considering the relationship we have had over the years," said Rossi about Yamaha's rumoured plan to prevent the Italian from testing for Ducati due to contractual reasons.

"If I know Yamaha and Furusawa, I believe I can be optimistic," he continued. "It would be a great handicap if I could not test the Ducati before the winter break.

"All the riders in all categories will be testing the Monday after the GP of Valencia, so why not me?"

Rossi goes on to explain he believes Yamaha will not mimic Honda's move by preventing the Italian from testing for his new team; in 2003, the Repsol squad stamped their contractual authority by preventing Rossi from testing the 2004 Yamaha M1. The Italian went on to win the opening race of the 2004 season and the championship, despite Honda's attempts to blight Rossi's defection.

"My relationship with Honda was not as good as I have Yamaha and I expected something like that on their part. "

Will Yamaha let Rossi test for Ducati? Our MotoGP insider reckons they won't.