Schumacher astonished by Rossi's F1 test, remembers ex-Ferrari man

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Ex-Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola says MotoGP star Valentino Rossi left quite an impression on Michael Schumacher when he first tested for Ferrari back in 2004.

Rossi tested for the Scuderia several times between 2004 and 2010, and there were often whispers that the multi-world champion rider could switch to Formula 1.

Indeed, Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo even admitted he would have fielded a third car for the Italian had the rules allowed it at the time.

Luigi Mazzola was on hand for Rossi's first test at Fiorano almost fourteen years ago, and remembers quite well the team's reaction to the rider's performance, but especially that of one Michael Schumacher.

Another Schumacher is on his way!

"I do not remember exactly how many tests we did with Valentino Rossi at Ferrari, certainly at least seven," Mazzola remembered yesterday o social media.

"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 himself also remembers the milestone day.

"It was a very exciting day for me," he said at the time.

"Driving an F1 car was an amazing experience, and it was great for me to follow in Schumacher’s footsteps for a day."

Had he emulated the great John Surtees thereafter and changed his destiny to F1, would he have matched in a Grand Prix car his diabolical ability on two-wheels?

We'll never know, but it would have been quite a box office attraction for Formula 1!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.