Italian MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi completed a second day of ‘public’ running at the wheel of an F1 Ferrari today, and the Italian continued to impress running a rev-restricted V10 engine. Yesterday marked the second day of dry-weather testing for the official test at Valencia, and once again it was Rossi as the centre of attention for the world’s media, commanding the attention of over 200 journalists. Amongst the onlookers was his father Graziano, whose public pronouncements suggested he was pleased with his son’s progress. “Of course he needs more time yet, but he already looks like a Formula One driver, which inspires me. Valentino drives better here than he has at the other tests.” 

Rossi completed 53 laps of the Spanish track and set a best time of 1:12.362, seven tenths of a second away from Schumacher’s fastest lap time of 1:11.640, set during his 43 laps on track undertaking a programme of tyre testing and chassis development. The Scuderia's second race driver this for year, Brazilian Felipe Massa piped both of them though, posting a 1:11.288 during 50 laps undertaken at the wheel of an F2004 fitted with the new V8 engine during a day spent undertaking tyre development work. Massa was the third quickest driver overall yesterday. Fastest was Fenando Alonso (Renault R26), his best lap of 1:10.904 was just 0.003 seconds ahead of Jenson Button (Honda RA106). Fourth fastest was Anthony Davidson (Honda RA106) with a time of 1:11.573, while Schumacher was fifth.

Valentino continued to build on Wednesday’s impressive performance. Although he is running a rev-restricted V10 as opposed to the new V8-engined 248 in the hands of Michael Schumacher, making direct comparisons impossible, it is worth noting that this is a busy time of the year for F1 teams and adding workload to their gruelling schedules is not normally regarded as desirable.
 

It therefore seems safe to assume that there is a keen interest within Ferrari to see the bike star piloting one of their machines in competition, perhaps as early as next year. This is further strengthened by rumours which suggest that Rossi’s engine has been re-mapped to deliver the same power and torque characteristics as the new V8 – a logical step if Ferrari is intent on finding out his true pace relative to other drivers. 

After wrapping up this week's three day test programme at Valencia yesterday, the Scuderia will resume testing next Monday at Fiorano, with Felipe Massa on track.

Ferrari also announced several changes to the Technical Department which are effective immediately.  Rory Byrne will assume a new position as Design and Development consultant, reporting directly to Technical Director, Ross Brawn; Aldo Costa will take responsibility for the Design and Development Department, answering to R. Brawn; and Nicholas Tombazis will be appointed Chief Designer, reporting directly to Aldo Costa.

Test Details (yesterday): Circuit: "Ricardo Tormo", 4.005 km - short course 3.110 km; Drivers: Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa and Valentino Rossi; Cars: F2004 and 248 F1; Weather: air temperature 10/19 °C, track temperature 9/23 °C. Clear skies, misting over in the afternoon.