Valentino Rossi has made his decision. The retired MotoGP rider will indeed launch into car racing, a first that he will experience for a full season. It remains to be determined where and with what. The GT category with gleaming cars was expected and we are not disappointed. On the other hand, the Italian icon will not drive a model from an emblematic brand equipped with a prancing horse. This will be debated on the other side of the Alps, but it is like this: the Doctor chose the Lord of the Rings Audi...
It's official: after retiring from MotoGP, Valentino Rossi commits to participating in the ten rounds of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. A campaign which will be carried out with Team WRT. The nine-time world champion, who tested a Audi WRT in Valencia last December, will participate in both the Endurance Cup and the Sprint Cup alongside the official Audi Sport drivers.
The Sprint program includes an event at Misano (July 1-3), while the Endurance Cup itinerary includes an Italian round at Imola (April 1-3) as well as a first attempt at 24 Hours of Spa (July 28-31). “ I am delighted to join Team WRT for a full program of Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS" , said Red.
« Everyone knows that I have always been a huge fan of motor racing and was always interested in racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career was over. Now I am fully available to dedicate myself to a high-level motor racing program and with the right professional approach. Team WRT is the perfect complement I was looking for and I can't wait to start this new adventure with them ».
It should be noted that Team WRT is the essential structure of the Fanatec GT World Challenge, with 28 overall team and driver titles since 2011. The Belgian team has been particularly dominant in the Sprint Cup and is also a perennial contender for victory in the 24 Hours of Spa. “ I'm sure many fans will be as happy as us that Rossi is starting a new career on four wheels and doing it in GT, with the WRT team and Audi“, said the WRT team principal, Vincent Vosse.
« We all know that Vale is a great motorcycle champion and a great figure in sport, but above all he is a real racer and a very professional and competitive sportsman, eager to succeed as best as possible in the new challenge he has decided to take on. This is exactly why we really wanted to work with him.".
Valentino Rossi will be a candidate for victory at the 24 hours of Spa
« The test we carried out in Valencia was extremely positive for both parties, in terms of technical feedback and working approach, and we took matters into our own hands from there. We warmly welcome Vale to the WRT family and I am sure we are in for a very exciting experience for both of us."
Red is not a newcomer to the series having participated in two endurance races at Monza and the Nürburgring during the 2012 season. He will begin his new adventure by joining the WRT team during the testing days officials at the Circuit Paul Ricard March 7 and 8. The Endurance Cup season will then begin at Imola, while the Sprint Cup program begins at Brands Hatch on April 30 and May 1.
Stéphane Ratel, founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group, said: “ I am delighted to welcome Valentino Rossi to the starting grid of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS for 2022. Having followed his illustrious career in motorcycle racing for over two decades, it is truly exciting to witness at the start of this new chapter in GT machines. Attracting a competitor of Valentino’s stature is a tremendous vote of confidence for our championship and for GT racing in general. He will bring new energy to our paddock and I can't wait to see him on the track this season."
