Written by Andrew Lwanga, edited by Harshi Vashee
GT World Challenge Europe, the doctor will see you now. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has confirmed he will compete full time in the GT World Challenge Europe 2021 season.
The 9 time Motorcycle Grand Prix world champion is set to contest across all 10 rounds of the season including both endurance and sprint races of the GT Championship.Rossi will be at the helm of a WRT Audi R8 for the season, a car the Italian has tested around the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain.
WRT have confirmed that Rossi will partner Audi factory drivers which confirms that the legend will compete in the Pro class.
WRT Team principal Vincent Vosse shared his thoughts on having the 7 time Premier class champion in one of his cars saying, “I am sure that a lot of fans will be as pleased as Rossi is starting a new career on four wheels and that he is doing it in GT, with Team WRT and Audi.
“We all know what a great motorbike champion and sports figure Vale is, but most of all, he is a true racer and a very professional and competitive sportsman, eager to be as successful as possible in the new challenge he has decided to embrace. This is exactly why we really wanted to work with him.
“The test we made at Valencia was extremely positive for both parties, in terms of technical feedback and working approach, and we took things from there.We warmly welcome Vale in the WRT family and I am sure that we are off to a very exciting experience for both.”
Whilst his teammates for the season are yet to be confirmed it is reported that Vale’s car will bear his traditional racing number, 46.
Commenting on his decision, Rossi stated how seriously he took his next endeavour.
“Everybody knows that I have always been a great car racing fan and that I have always been interested in racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career would come to an end,” he said.
“Now I am completely available to devote myself to a car racing program at a high level and with the right professional approach.”
This will not be “The Doctor’s” first appointment in GT car competition. Rossi has previously contested in the Gulf 12 hours in 2019 behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488 alongside brother Luca Marini where they were able to secure a podium.