Valentino Rossi has begun preparations for his latest Ferrari Formula 1 test by trying out the team’s brand new simulator at its Maranello base.
The seven-time motorcycle world champion has been handed another opportunity to test one of the Italian squad’s F1 cars as a reward for winning the 2009 MotoGP title, the 31-year-old to drive a two-year old F2008 for two days at Barcelona from next Wednesday.
On Friday Rossi visited Maranello to have several meetings with the team’s engineers before completing some virtual laps in its new simulator, which came on line before Christmas following two years in production.
The Italian superstar then took the opportunity to complete some real track laps in Ferrari’s new 458 Italia road car at its nearby Fiorano test track.
Although conditions were slightly wet and temperatures very low, Rossi managed to completed several laps in the eight-cylinder rear-mid engine car.