Valentino Rossi Returns with BMW for 2023
After a season of learning in GT World Challenge, Valentino Rossi has stayed with the same team WRT for 2023 but switched from Audi to BMW. This change worked wonders, as the two-wheeled non-world champion secured his first ever podium at the 24 Hours of Dubai.
For this inaugural race at the wheel of his new BMW M4 GT3, Rossi had a star-studded team consisting of Belgian Maxime Martin, German Max Hesse, Englishman Timothy Whale and Indonesian Sean Gelael. Despite a crash that ended up in barriers after 2.5 hours of racing, Rossie’s car managed to take third place on the podium.
The other WRT car took victory which was also BMW’s first win since 2011. The race served as ideal preparation for Valentino’s next outing at 12 Hours of Bathurst in Australia in three weeks’ time.
Valentino Rossi Reacts To His First Podium Win
“I’m really happy because this is my first podium with WRT and doing it during my first race with BMW Motorsport is great,” said the Italian racer. “It’s a sign that things are going well and it was an excellent way to start.”
“It definitely wasn’t easy but we achieved our goal,” he continued. “We got the much sought after podium finish.” He added that although it wasn’t easy he enjoyed every minute of it.</P
“This win will give me more confidence going into Bathurst,” concluded Valentino Rossi.</P
