'Too late' now for F1 switch - Rossi

Reigning and multiple MotoGP champion Valentino Rosso has reiterated that he will no longer attempt to switch to formula one.

The renegotiation of his Yamaha contract is looming, and he told Italy's Tuttosport that he sees his post-motorcycling future on four wheels.

"When I stop with motorbikes, it would appeal to me to go four wheels for many years. But for formula one it is much too late," said Rossi, who in February turned 30.

Three years ago, he came close to switching to F1 with Ferrari.

"We had long negotiations, there was a serious plan for me to be the test driver in 2007 and then to race in 2008. But in the end I decided to stay in motorbikes and now there is no time to look back," said Rossi.

He said he will consider his next step in the summer of 2010, with a switch to world rallying his "main option".