robertorolfo - 18 November 2009 04:18 AM

First off, he would obviously do better than Alonso would do in MotoGP (I mention Alonso because he mentioned it himself). And Damatta, Rossi would also do better than Schumacher has shown... simply based on the fact that he would be closer on pace to the F1 guys than the F1 guys could ever get to the riders.

That said, 'success' in modern day F1 depends on a whole list of factors, with the drivers basically playing a minor part. Look at this season, you have the world champion from last year, as well as all the front runners from last year, completely lost and off the pace. Hamilton and Raikonen didn't suddenly become bad drivers... and Button didn't suddenly become good.

This is why Rossi didn't switch in the past and probably wont in the future. If he can't make a difference and show his talent, there is no point for him.

rossi was 3 seconds off the pace, which is roughly what chin was on a bike. being the great rossi, he may shave a second off, but that is doubtful. when you have career formula racers languishing at the back of the grid 2 seconds a drift, you come to realize the magnitude of the challenge.

as for equipment, it obviously matters in motorcycle racing. would rossi win on the kwack or the zook? doubtful.

Quick Googling found this:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/Rossi+Ferrari+test+more+exciting+than+difficult

""The 2008 MotoGP World Champion clocked a fastest time of 1´22.550, around 1.5 seconds down on the time recorded by ex-Formula 1 king and regular Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen in a September test at the same circuit. Rossi undertook a total of 64 laps with the F2008, adorned with his trademark 46 racing number.""

That was with very limited time and experience. Do you remember the times Schumacher put up on the D16 at Mugello the first time he tried it? Not even close.

ok, i think 1.5 secs is more impressive than 3. i stand corrected.

however, you may recall that honda actually offered chin a race seat if he wanted one.

http://www.worldsuperbikenews.co.uk/michael-schumacher-only-has-to-ask-for-world-superbike-ride-say-honda/225

I do remember that they offered a bike for Schumacher, but that (like Rossi's situation) is as much business as anything else. No manufacturer would turn down having Rossi or Schumacher use their machine.

If Schumacher really tried bikes (and especially if he did so at a younger age), he may have been able to do some interesting things. Tough to tell. But I think Rossi could figure out how to make an F1 car go fast given enough time, with what F1 has become. A rally car is another story though.

Who cares. Once they go over to the dark side they are dead to me.

Joe_B - 18 November 2009 10:19 AM

Who cares. Once they go over to the dark side they are dead to me.

That's more or less what I said - I won't know what he has done if he goes to 4 wheels.

garyb425 - 18 November 2009 11:10 AM

Joe_B - 18 November 2009 10:19 AM

Who cares. Once they go over to the dark side they are dead to me.

That's more or less what I said - I won't know what he has done if he goes to 4 wheels.

You may not wan't to know... but you will end up knowing. It will be a pretty big story in both the two and four wheeled worlds (read unavoidable).

robertorolfo - 18 November 2009 11:14 AM

You may not wan't to know... but you will end up knowing. It will be a pretty big story in both the two and four wheeled worlds (read unavoidable).

Exactly. I'm sure I'll find out but I just won't follow it day to day like I do bike racing. I can't help being aware of Carmichael's exploits in nappy car with all the MX sites I go to.
I'm not trying to play tough like some people here. Oh, I don't watch AMA. Blah, blah blah...

I don't watch AMA 'superbike' because I don't stay up that late. I don't watch sportbike because I don't care (even if it was on earlier) - same as F1.

I use to love F1 as well now I fall fast asleep. I just can't watch it anymore, ALMS has replaced F1 for me.

I just don't see Rossi making the switch.