F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Rossi says MotoGP/F1 swap with Hamilton is in the works!

MotoGP's Valentino Rossi says a swap of racing machines between himself and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is in the works.

The swap would involve the two legends taking to the track at the same venue and on the same day, with the seven-time MotoGP champion sampling a Mercedes F1 car and Hamilton riding the Italian's Yamaha MotoGP beast.

Rossi has experienced F1 power in the past, having tested on several occasions with Ferrari and clocking in with competitive times.

Hamilton, who has never denied his infatuation with big bikes, tested a Yamaha Crescent Team Super Bike at Jerez last year, also producing some interesting times.

The five-time F1 champion visited the MotoGP paddock earlier this year in Qatar but admitted he was past his sell date when it came to a switch to two wheels.

"I’ve always been in love with the bike," Hamilton said. "But I’m too old to do MotoGP. I’m not bounce-proof like young Marquez!"

At this weekend's MotoGP at Motegi in Japan, Rossi confirmed that work was going on behind the scenes to set-up a swap.

"It's been a while since we talked about it, it would be a beautiful thing," said the 40-year-old rider.

"They are trying to organize a day in which he tries my M1 and I try his Mercedes, we hope to make it happen. Driving an F1 car is always cool."

The high-profile swap would be a boon for Rossi and Hamilton's common sponsor, Monster Energy.

However, it remains to be determined where the switch would take place after the end of Rossi and Hamilton's respective seasons.

Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit - where F1 teams will be testing in early December after the final race of the 2019 season - is cited as the most probable venue for the Rossi/Hamilton trade.

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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.

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