Rossi surprised by F1's MotoGP passion.

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has admitted he was surprised by the level of passion which the Formula One world has for its two-wheeled equivalent.

The 25-year-old Italian, who sensationally quit Honda to start a new challenge at Yamaha this season, attended last Sunday's season opening Australian F1 GP before beginning a test session at nearby Phillip Island.

"Before we came (to Phillip Island) I visited the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, which was a great show," said Rossi. "It was my first time at an F1 race, and was good to meet the drivers, the mechanics, and quite surprising how passionate everyone is about MotoGP."

During the event, Rossi met his Formula One equivalent - in terms of ability - Michael Schumacher, who went on to dominate the race for Ferrari, and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (top picture), who's been quoted as saying his sport needs a Valentino Rossi type character.

Rossi has never hidden his desire to test an F1 car, but believes rallying holds his post two-wheel future.