Rossi 'satisfied' with testing performance
Rossi was awarded the test with Ferrari for winning his sixth MotoGP title
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Friday, 22, Jan 2010 10:59
By Adam Leveridge
Valentino Rossi concluded his two-day test with Ferrari at the Montemelo circuit in Barcelona yesterday and said he felt satisfied with the result.
Rossi had his first experience in a formula one car when he drove a Ferrari at the Mugello circuit in November 2008 and he was awarded this opportunity to test for the Maranello-based outfit for winning his sixth MotoGP title.
"We kept the last three quarters of an hour to try a 'time attack' with little petrol and fresh tyres. I would have given anything for such a lap time," said Rossi.
"It's more fun here in Catalunya because it's a little bit easier.
"It's more effort in Mugello, but this track is really wonderful, with motorbikes and cars, although I have to say that turn ten is a little tight and you're braking much later."
Rossi completed over 600 kilometres over the two days and his best laptime was a 1m21.900, despite being hindered by intermittent rain showers.
Luca Baldisserri, who is responsible for running Ferrari's new young driver programme, said: "We tried different set ups and he improved a lot: this means that the driver learns quickly and has room for improvement."
Felipe Massa will now get behind the wheel of the F2008 at the Montemelo circuit in preparation for his return to racing in March, after being injured in a freak accident during qualifying for last year's Hungarian grand prix.
He will run on GP2-specification tyres, in line with the current sporting regulations that limit the amount of winter testing teams and drivers can do before the racing season begins.