Max Biaggi to test for Midland F1 team?

Former MotoGP rider will try out a Midland Formula One car at Silverstone to prepare for Superbikes 2006.

Former MotoGP rider Max Biaggi will try out a Midland Formula One car at Silverstone on Wednesday, the team said.

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Midland said the 34-year-old Italian, dropped by his Honda team in motorcycling's top category at the end of last season, had expressed an interest in driving the car.

"We are just fulfilling a dream," a spokesman said.

"He said that if he was going to do Superbikes in 2006 then this would be an ideal opportunity to learn the Silverstone circuit."

Biaggi, four times a 250cc world champion, has talked about a switch to world superbikes although he has also hinted on his website at a four-wheeled future.

The Roman tried out a Ferrari Formula One car in Italy in 1999, something MotoGP champion and compatriot Valentino Rossi has been doing more seriously of late.

While 26-year-old Rossi has had three Ferrari tests and is seen as a real prospect to switch from two wheels to four, Biaggi is unlikely to be considered for a serious role at Midland.

Midland, formerly Jordan, have signed up Dutchman Christijan Albers as one race driver with Portugal's Tiago Monteiro expected to partner him.