The tale kicks off in 2004. Fresh from a stellar season with Yamaha, Rossi got a call from Stefano Domenicali inviting him to Fiorano for a Ferrari F1 test. He reminisced, “I was quick, clocking under a minute – 59’1. The mechanics even bet on it, and, well, I won.”
After the tests, Rossi reached a crossroads. He explained, “I had to choose. If I said yes, I’d race with Minardi, the B team. If I performed well, the path led to Ferrari.”
The chance to join Minardi, later Toro Rosso with Ferrari engines, beckoned. Yet, at 27, Rossi, at the peak of his motorcycling career, hesitated. “I didn’t want to leap because I knew I could win more titles and enjoy motorcycling,” he mused.
While curiosity lingered, Rossi thrived in MotoGP. “For me, the motorbike was best. I did well, winning iconic races and two world championships,” he reflected.
Speculation surrounded Rossi’s potential F1 move. His plan, as shared on Graham Bensinger’s podcast, was strategic. “Start with a small team, gain experience, and if fast enough, head to Ferrari.”
Despite external F1 pressure, including advice from his mom, Rossi’s heart kept him in MotoGP, securing seven championships. Now 42, he’s not just a two-wheel maestro but also set for Le Mans 24 Hours next year.
Rossi’s F1 detour adds a layer to his story, revealing a resilient rider true to his passion for motorcycle racing.