Rallying future for Rossi

After his impressive performance in Rally New Zealand, Moto GP star Valentino Rossi has confirmed he will be contesting more rallies in the future.

"In 2007, at the end of the season, I will definitely race again in the RAC (Wales Rally GB)", he told Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport.  Rossi, who turned down the opportunity to join the Ferrari Formula One team in 2007, confirmed that rallying is one of his great passions and he would love to pursue a rally career when his motorbike career ends.

"Yes, this could be my future after motorcycling,"  the 27 year old said. "Formula One would be within my reach too but I have had my chance and made another choice. Rallies could be a good solution. Not for the entire season, but maybe a programme of eight races."

Rossi contested the Monza Rally last weekend in a factory-spec Subaru Impreza, beating former world rally champion Colin McRae, to finish second.  The rally, part of the Monza Rally Show, consisted of two stages, totalling 40 kms, which were used repeatedly, giving a total of seven stages.

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