Rossi Rules Out F1 Switch, Will Not Replace Massa

Valentino Rossi ruled out a potential switch to Formula One in the next few weeks, to replace the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa. After the Michael Schumacher deal didn't work out due to the German's unstable medical condition, it seems team boss Stefano Domenicali conducted a series of talks with Rossi.

However, the MotoGP reigning champion insisted the talks were not about a potential switch to Formula One. And even if they were, the Italian would have said no from the early beginning, as it's impossible to do both the MotoGP and Formula One championships at the same time.

“I have spoken a lot with Stefano Domenicali in these last days about the return of Schumi, but I have not received an offer. Anyway, I cannot go: I can't race motorbikes and F1 at the same time,” Rossi was quoted as saying by Italy's Tuttosport.

The Italian rider did some testing sessions with the Scuderia in the past, but never considered making the MotoGP – Formula 1 switch. On the contrary, the Yamaha rider insisted that when he'll quit MotoGP racing, the first series he'll like to move to would be the World Rally Championship.

As for Schumacher, who's known to be one of Rossi best friends in motor racing, the Italian rider admitted his disappointment over Schu's cancelation of his return. As argued by “The Doctor”, the 7-time world champion would have easily become race winner once again in the series.

“It is a true shame not to see Schumacher back with Ferrari. In my opinion he could have been in the fight for victory by his second race,” said Rossi when talking to the media in Czech Republic.