Rossi preps for Hamilton ride swap with Mercedes

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MotoGP star Valentino Rossi visited Mercedes' Brackley headquarters this week for a seat fitting ahead of next Monday's epic ride swap with Lewis Hamilton.

Rossi and Hamilton will trade wheels in Valencia on December 9, in a high-profile event organized by the two legends' common sponsor Monster Energy.

"I think me and Lewis Hamilton will have some fun soon," Rossi wrote on Instagram, with a few shots depicting the Italian's seat fitting with Mercedes.

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The 40-year rider is no stranger to F1 machinery, having tested on several occasions with Ferrari a decade ago.

While Mercedes is expected to field an older-spec machine for the nine-time MotoGP world champion, it will still be Rossi's first time behind the wheel of a modern hybrid F1 car.

On the other side of the garage in Valencia, Hamilton will sample for the very first time a competitive MotoGP beast.

The six-time world champion has never denied his infatuation with big bikes. A year ago, Hamilton tested a Yamaha Crescent Team Super Bike at Jerez, producing some interesting times.

Hamilton also did a bit of promotion on social media for next Monday's track day, saying:

"Super excited to swap rides with the legend Valentino Rossi very soon... Watch this space guys. You ready @ValeYellow46?"

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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.