LONDON, March 15 (Reuters) - MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has challenged Formula One champion Fernando Alonso to a high-speed duel to see who is quickest.
The 24-year-old Renault driver said last month he was unimpressed by Rossi's Formula One tests for Ferrari and felt it would be very hard for him to switch from two wheels to four.
"He might finish fifth or even get on the podium some time but I could do the same on the bikes if I was given enough time to practise," the Spaniard told a news conference.
The words appeared to have stung Rossi, who was quoted by British weekly Motorcycle News on Wednesday as saying he wanted to put Alonso to the test.
"I read that if Alonso is able to make some practice then he can put a MotoGP bike on the podium with me," said the 27-year-old Italian.
"Well, I think we should drive a Formula One car, a World Rally car and a MotoGP bike, add the times together and then we will see who is the fastest."
Rossi, winner in motorcycling's top category for the past five years, has tested repeatedly for Ferrari including a session in February with other drivers.
The charismatic Italian has also competed in rallies and Ferrari's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher has said Italy's highest-paid sportsman has the talent to make the switch to Formula One.
Alonso won Formula One's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix at the weekend.
