To stay in MotoGP

_{source: moto.racing-live.com}

World motorcycling Champion Valentino Rossi said Wednesday he would be sticking to two wheels and not joining the Ferrari team to race in Formula One.

"I will continue, at least for some time more, to race motorbikes," the Italian told the official ANSA news agency.

"My friends at Ferrari gave me the chance to do some car testing. That was a fantastic experience both technically and personally but I think that my work on the motorbike is not finished and I'm still very motivated."

The 27-year-old seven-time world champion is having a hard time of it this season, lying eighth in the MotoGP standings after five races. His contract with Yamaha runs out at the end of this season.

Michael Schumacher said he was disappointed to hear Rossi would not be joining him at Ferrari. "In a way we are sad not to see him here, but on the other side it is understandable because he knows what he has in his world," the German said in Monaco while preparing for Sunday's Grand Prix.

The seven time world champion added: "It is maybe a little bit more difficult to know the world of Formula One and how you would adapt to different circumstances. I think he has a lot of talent in terms of driving, but it is not only in terms of driving. It is sad but that's the way it is."

Rossi's decision throws wide open again the contest for seats at Ferrari next year.