Hamilton impresses Rossi boss after MotoGP test

Lewis Hamilton suitably impressed in his ride swap with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, with the F1 world champion's capabilities on two wheels drawing praise from Yamaha.

Hamilton got a chance to ride MotoGP machinery for the first time this week in Valencia, while Rossi in turn had a chance to drive one of Mercedes' title-winning F1 cars.

Yamaha Racing managing director Lin Jarvis was quick to tribute Hamilton's ability to adapt to riding the bike, saying he could be proud of his efforts.

He said: "It was an exceptional day. To have Lewis together with us and Valentino, two icons of sport at the same time and place, was really amazing. I'm really happy that I could be there to witness it and to enjoy it.

"I was very impressed by Lewis' performance because how many four-wheel champions could come here and get on an M1, go out there, and do themselves proud?

"It's very difficult to ride a motorcycle fast on track and even more challenging and demanding to ride a factory MotoGP bike.

"What stood out to me the most was the moment when he and Valentino were out, really close together, side by side on their M1s. Lewis has said that he's been a fan of MotoGP and Valentino for years."

"It was his wish to ride on track together with Valentino and to have the experience one day to ride an M1, and he got both wishes at the same time! It was fantastic to see that even a six-time Formula 1 world champion who has already achieved so many things, can still realise a dream at a special occasion like this."

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