MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi RETURN confirmed for……Read more
With seven premier class world championships to his name between 2001 and 2009, Rossi left a lasting legacy in motorcycle racing before retiring from MotoGP at the end of 2021. After his illustrious career on two wheels, Rossi made the switch to four-wheel racing and found success in the world of sports car racing.
In 2023, the 45-year-old Italian achieved a notable victory in the Road to Le Mans race, further showcasing his adaptability. That same year, he made his debut in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, competing in the event for the first time. Driving for BMW’s team alongside Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin, Rossi found himself in contention for a GT class victory, but a crash by Al Harthy overnight led to their eventual retirement from the race. Despite this setback, Rossi’s performance highlighted his potential in endurance racing.
Rossi will continue his journey in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2025 season, aiming to improve on his debut campaign. He is set to race again with BMW, alongside Al Harthy, with new team member Kelvin van der Linde replacing Martin. The Italian has expressed his satisfaction with his debut season in WEC, which included two podium finishes, and is eager to build on that success. “We had some good races including two podiums and we want to try to be stronger and faster. We will work hard together with BMW M Motorsport to improve our performance and be more competitive in every race,” said Rossi.
Though Rossi has transitioned to four-wheel racing, his involvement in motorsport has extended beyond just GT racing. In the mid-2000s, he was close to joining Formula 1 after impressing with Ferrari during a 2004 test at the Fiorano circuit. His performances were so impressive that they sparked discussions about him potentially racing alongside Michael Schumacher.
Rossi’s 2025 return to the WEC will see him continue his efforts to become a top contender in endurance racing. As he shifts focus to the World Endurance Championship, he remains committed to his goals of improving and remaining competitive in this exciting new chapter of his racing
career.
