by Peter McLaren

Valentino Rossi has rejected rumours that he is set to switch to Formula One next season - by confirming that he'll stay in MotoGP, with Yamaha, until at le𝔍ast the end of 2005.

The latest Rossi/F1 whౠispers emerged following Ford's announcement that it would axe its Jaguar race team and sell off Cosworth (who also supply Jordan and Minardi with engines) at the end of this season.

If a buyer isn't found for🥂 Jaguar, or if Jordan or Minardi are left engineless, some of the top teams - such as Ferrari - could be 'forced' to run three-ca🤪rs in 2005 to meet 20 car minimum grid requirements...

...and who better, the Italian press believed, to drive a third Ferrari than national hero Rossi. After all, 'The Doctor'༺ reportedly lapped within a few seconds of Michael Schumacher on his brie🌠f F1 debut earlier this year at Mugello.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo also reportedly backed such a proposal, but sadly for the 'prancing horse', and Form😼ula One, Rossi has confirmed that he'll be in MotoGP next🐲 season - although the world famous #46 did admit that a four-wheeled career would be considered after that:

"There have been a lot of rumours in the last few days," began Valentino, when asked about the possibility of Formula One. "For sure this year and next year I'll stay😼 with Yamaha in🐓 MotoGP.

"I already have a contraꦬct signed, but it's not a problem (to have the) contract because I want to stay here," h☂e stressed. "Then I'll decide if I want to stay another year (2006) or try cars."

Rossi, who is attempting to secure Yamaha's first premier-class world championship since 1992, takes a commanding 39-point lead over Sete Gibernau into this weekend's inaugural Qata♏r Grand Prix, round 13 of 𝓡16.