Amid speculation that MotoGP sensation Valentino Rossi could join Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari in 2007, it has been revealed that one particular Italian would be delighted to see the youngster racing for the team of the cavallino rampante, his father, Graziano.

It would be "fantastic", said Graziano Rossi, according to The Times. "He was fast from the first lap," he said of his son’s recent test at Fiorano.

For a country steeped in motorsport history, it is ironic that Italy hasn’t had a World Champion since 1953, when Alberto Ascari won the second of his back-to-back titles. Previously, Giuseppe Farina won the inaugural title in 1950.

It’s believed that Ferrari has been highly impressed with Rossi’s car-craft, with some sources claiming that his test pace has been underplayed.

Expect more speculation this weekend at Monza, where the youngster is almost certain to make an appearance.