Besides hoping for a 10th world title in MotoGP, Valentino Rossi had a second dream; take part in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans event on four wheels. While waiting for a possible participation in Hypercar in 2025, the Italian's objective took shape this Friday June 7, 2024 on the Place de la République in the Sarthe prefecture, when the motorcycling star presented himself at the weighing of his BMW M4 #46, entered in the LM GT3 category by the WRT team of Belgian Vincent Vosse.
The car world then became aware of the “Rossimania” which accompanies each appearance of the illustrious transalpine, with its share of shouts, jostling and other frenzies. After taking part in the game of selfies and autographs with a smile, the “Doctor” said, " I had in mind to drive a car after my motorcycle career. I'm happy and excited to be here. I don't know what to expect. I already know the car after this 2023 season, but the format with three drivers from three different performance categories will be new for me. Last year, I took part in Road to Le Mans, but the 24 Hours is another story! I hope we will be competitive and can fight for the important places during the race. The atmosphere is special. It's the first time for me. I discover. People also talk to me a lot about the parade. I can not wait to see it. »
Winner last year in Road to Le Mans, the introductory 24-hour event for aspiring pilots, Valentino Rossi will share the steering wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 wearing his emblematic number 46 with his usual Belgian teammate Maxime Martin, But also Ahmad Al Harty, originally from Oman.
This Friday marked the first of ten days constituting the famous event, the 24-hour race of which will start on Saturday June 15 at 16 p.m.
VR46 shared it on his Instagram, to allow his millions of fans to follow his adventure as he tackles the 13,6 kilometer route.
A 500cc world champion at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? The precursor is called Wayne Gardner, 500 1987 cc World Champion, who took part in the 1998 edition driving a Riley & Scott Mk III from the Solution F team, sharing the wheel with Philippe Gache et Didier De Radrigues, 350 cc world vice-champion in 1982.
The car had abandoned, piston pierced, at the 13th hour. We obviously wish for a more beautiful outcome to the one who more and more resembles the legendary Steve McQueen, Italian version…
