Rossi 'stunned' Schumacher during F1 tests

Ex-Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola has revealed that Michael Schumacher was left 'stunned' by the ability of Valentino Rossi when the Moto GP star tested in Formula One and recorded some excellent lap times at Fiorano with the Prancing Horse back in 2004.

Rossi has won the Moto GP world championship on nine occasions, and has mulled over the possibility of joining the Formula One ranks more than once.

Ferrari were the suitors back in 2004 and Rossi was allowed to test the F2004 model in the Scuderia's private track. Mazzola was present for this particular test, and has revealed via his Facebook page just how impressive Rossi was, with Schumacher in particular appreciating the talents of the motorcycle road racer.

"I do not remember exactly how many tests we did with Valentino Rossi at Ferrari, certainly at least seven," Mazzola wrote.

"At the first, Valentino went on the track and did about 10 laps - and on the last, it was an incredible time. I remember that Michael Schumacher, who was with me looking at the telemetry, had a stunned looked, almost incredulous."

Rossi tested on other occasions for Ferrari between 2004 and 2009, and reportedly matched the stats of other F1 drivers. However, he has never ventured into competitive action in the sport, instead opting to stay in Moto GP.

Mercedes have also looked at motorcycle drivers for potential driver inspiration and allowed Jorge Lorenzo to sample their vehicle in 2016. They have extended an invite to Rossi also via team boss Toto Wolff, but as of yet it has not been accepted.