Valentino Rossi, the legendary seven-time MotoGP world champion, is set to embark on a new challenge in 2024 as he joins Team WRT in both the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Rossi will be teaming up with factory driver Martin and together they will pilot a Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in both series.
This collaboration between Rossi and Martin is not new, as they have been racing together since 2023 in the GTWCE. The duo will be driving in the LMGT3 class of the WEC, alongside bronze-rated driver Ahmad Al Harthy. The trio will then be joined by new BMW signing Marciello in the Pro class of the GTWCE Endurance Cup.
Rossi and Martin’s race schedule is packed with thrilling events. They will compete in the opening two rounds of the GTWCE Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch and Misano in May. These two circuits hold special significance for Rossi, as he achieved his best results there last year, including his first GTWCE podium and a maiden victory at Misano.
Furthermore, Rossi will also take part in the WEC, which will introduce him to new challenges. He is particularly looking forward to racing in the prestigious Le Mans event, as well as at circuits like Austin and Sao Paulo. With his trademark determination and competitive spirit, Rossi aims to make a strong impression in the WEC as well.
Valentino Rossi expressed his excitement about his racing program for 2024: “I am very happy with my 2024 programme and I can’t wait to start. In the GTWCE, I’ll race the Endurance Cup together with Maxime and Lello, two fantastic drivers, and I think we can be very strong. The WEC will be new for me: I’ll be with Maxime and Ahmad, and I’m eager to race in the main event at Le Mans, and at places like Austin and Sao Paulo. [It will be] a brand new experience for me, and hopefully, we will be competitive.”
The GTWCE line-up for Rossi, Martin, and Marciello is undeniably strong. Marciello, who will primarily race for WRT in the Hypercar class of the WEC, described the GTWCE line-up as “a very strong ticket.” The BMW stalwart Augusto Farfus will also join the WRT team, along with Sean Gelael and Darren Leung, in the #31 car.
WRT will field another Pro class M4 in the GTWCE enduros with the all-factory line-up of Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon van der Linde, and Charles Weerts. This formidable trio will also compete in the Sprint Cup, aiming for their fourth title in five seasons.
Furthermore, Al Harthy will participate in the GTWCE enduros in the Bronze Cup class with factory driver Jens Klingmann and Sam De Haan. Briton De Haan will then team up with Callan Williams for the sprints. The line-up for a third full-season car in the short-format GTWCE races is yet to be announced.
With Valentino Rossi’s inclusion in the team, Team WRT is looking forward to a promising season in both the GTWCE and the WEC. Rossi’s tremendous experience and skill, coupled with the talented roster of drivers, will undoubtedly make them a strong contender on the track. As the new season approaches, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the spectacle that will unfold as Rossi takes on this exciting new challenge in his illustrious career.
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