Rome - Motorcycling star Valentino Rossi turned down an offer from Ferrari to drive in the Italian Grand Prix, the Italian revealed.

Ferrari was looking for a replacement driver for Luca Badoer, who had unsuccessfully tried to replace the injured Felipe Massa, but had been replaced himself after two poor performances.

"I spoke with Ferrari about driving in Monza. But without proper testing, it would simply had not made sense," Rossi said.

Ferrari has since signed Giancarlo Fisichella from Force India to drive for them in the final season races.

"Formula One without tests is more a risk than fun. You can't simply come and try to understand the car in three days," Rossi said in explanation of his decision to turn Ferrari down.

He added that he also did not know if his neck was strong enough for Formula One. "I am also fighting for the MotoGP championship. The race in Monza would have caused some stress, so it is better that I stayed with MotoGP," the eight-time motorcyling world champions said.

The 30-year-old has frequently participated in Formula One testing, but had always opted to stay with MotoGP. (dpa)