MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has admitted he was surprised by the level of passion which the Formula One world has💞 for its two-꧋wheeled equivalent.

The 25-year-old Italian, who sensationally quit Honda to start a new challenge at Ya♈maha this season, attended last Sunday's season op♛ening Australian F1 GP before beginning a test session at nearby Phillip Island.

"Before we came (to Phillip Island) I visited the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, which was a great show," said Rossi. "It was my first time at an F1 ra🍒ce, and was good to meet the drivers, the mechanics, and quite surprising how passionate everyone is about MotoGP."

During the event, Rossi met his Formula One equivalent - in terms of ability - Michael🍬 Schumacher, who went on to dominate the race for Ferrari, and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (top picture), who's been quoted a🔯s saying his sport needs a Valentino Rossi type character.

Rossi has never hidden his desire to te๊st an F1 car, but believes rallying holds his post two-wheel future.