'We are happy to give Valentino once again the opportunity to test our Formula One car,' said a spokesman at the Brazilian Grand Prix where Ferrari are fighting for both world championships this weekend.

'He's a friend of Ferrari, we are friends of his and it's a nice way to celebrate his world championship and fantastic career.'

He said the test would be at an Italian circuit before the end of the year.

Yamaha rider Rossi, who this year clinched his sixth title in motorcycling's top category, last tested a Ferrari Formula One car in 2006 when he was being seriously considered for a possible race seat with the team.

The Italian, who impressed with his pace in those earlier tests, ruled out a move to Formula One but said this year that he still had mixed emotions about his decision.

'Regret is not the right word, but I'm a little sorry because I'm still curious to know what I would have done,' he said in May. -- REUTERS