Biaggi...outta bikes and into F1?

[Smitty]

Biaggi tests with F1 team

London
January 19, 2006 - 9:26AM


Former MotoGP rider Max Biaggi kept tight-lipped about his future plans after trying out a Midland Formula One car at a rain-soaked Silverstone today.

Midland said the 34-year-old Italian, dropped by his Honda team in motorcycling's top category at the end of last season, completed 10 laps in very wet conditions in the 2005 Jordan with a V8 engine.

"I took this chance... and if there is another chance for me soon I will take it. Maybe this year I will race bikes, maybe not. Nothing is decided yet," Biaggi said.

Biaggi, four times a 250cc world champion, tried out a Ferrari grand prix car at that team's Fiorano test track in 1999, something MotoGP champion and compatriot Valentino Rossi has been doing more seriously of late.

While 26-year-old Rossi has had three separate Ferrari tests and is seen as a real prospect to switch from two wheels to four, Biaggi is unlikely to be considered for a serious role at newcomers Midland, even though today's outing was at Midland's invitation.

"I got a good feeling with the car. I didn't push myself to the limit because it was not the best day to do it but it was a nice emotion again to go back in Formula One," he said.

Biaggi hinted at a switch to the world superbike championship, which uses the Silverstone circuit, although motorcycling's 'Roman Emperor' has also talked on his website of a four-wheeled future.

Midland, formerly Jordan, have signed up Dutchman Christijan Albers as one of their race drivers with Portugal's Tiago Monteiro expected to partner him.



- Reuters London

[Colette]

Another news item on it:

http://www.sportal.com.au/motorsport.as ... s&id=76601