Rossi turns down Alesi offer

MOTOGP world champion Valentino Rossi has turned down an offer from former Formula One driver Jean Alesi to race with the Frenchman in the Le Mans 24 hour next June.

'The truth is that when Vale starts the season, he wants to solely concentrate on bikes. He will compete in rallies and speed events only after the end of the season,' manager Davide Brivio told Sunday's Gazzetta Sportiva.

Rossi, who has competed in several events on four wheels as he ponders one day switching sports, was due to race in the Mexico Rally in March but Brivio said his participation was now in doubt as it comes too close to the start of the MotoGP season.