Rossi spins out on opening lap!
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was finally given the opportunity to take to the Valencia circuit for Ferrari late on Tuesday afternoon - following earlier rain delays - only to spin and stall his F2004 (V10 powered) machine half a lap later!
Rossi was apparently caught off guard by the notoriously 'slippery when damp' Valencia surface shortly after being passed by new Honda driver Rubens Barrichello, prompting the harmless - but rather embarrassing - spin by the seven-times motorcycling world champion.
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was finally given the opportunity to take to the Valencia circuit for Ferrari late on Tuesday afternoon - following earlier rain delays - only to spin and stall his F2004 (V10 powered) machine half a lap later!
Rossi was apparently caught off guard by the notoriously 'slippery when damp' Valencia surface shortly after being passed by new Honda driver Rubens Barrichello, prompting the harmless - but rather embarrassing - spin by the seven-times motorcycling world champion.
The Italian's stricken car had to be collected by a tow truck (top pic), while Rossi was given a lift back to the pits before explaining his downfall to the waiting Ferrari engineers (middle pic).
Rossi has a history of accidents when making debuts and will hope that - as on other occasions - he is able to quickly bounce back. The Valencia test marks Rossi's fourth outing in a Ferrari Formula One car, but his first with other teams and drivers present.
Seven times world champion and Ferrari team leader, Michael Schumacher, also ran off track today.
Testing continues until Friday.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
