Valentino Rossi has invited Lewis Hamilton to test ride a Moto GP bike after the Formula One world champion expressed an interest in the top-flight motorcycle series.

"When I was a kid I wanted to race motorbikes," Hamilton told the Mirror. "When my dad bought me my first go-kart I actually wanted a motorbike. I'm not disappointed how things have turned out but bikes were my first love I suppose.

"I'd also love to test a MotoGP bike just to see what it's like. Naturally I'd know the lines but I'd love to know if I could even do it."

Rossi, who has twice tested a Ferrari Formula One car in the past, wants to hook Hamilton up with a ride on a slightly detuned Yamaha Moto GP bike.

"At Monza last year he told me he'd love to come and ride at my ranch," said Rossi. " I asked him, 'But do you know how to ride or are you starting from zero?' He said that he has a good level of skill, he rides a 450. "He needs a bit of experience before trying a Moto GP bike. But our bike is very easy, so we will try to kill a little bit of power we'll tune a little of the power out and then, if he wants to go out and have some fun..."