Valentino Rossi Takes on New Challenge at 24 Hours of Le Mans
Many famous athletes have taken on the challenge of racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the past, such as skiers Jean-Claude Killy and Luc Alphand, footballer Fabien Barthez, cyclist Chris Hoy, and former motorcycle world champions John Surtees, Johnny Cecotto, and Wayne Gardner. This year, it is the turn of the “Legend,” Italian Valentino Rossi, to try his hand at the adventure. At 45 years old, the nine-time motorcycle world champion, including seven in the premier MotoGP category, has dreamt for years of being on the starting grid. After a few years of preparation and some learning races, he is now taking on the challenge behind the wheel of a BMW GT3 with the iconic number 46 that he wore during his motorcycle racing days.
“After 26 years of my career in motorcycles, I promised myself to become a car driver,” says Valentino Rossi, who previously dabbled in rally racing and even had a private test with Ferrari in a Formula 1 car. “And of course, like every car driver, the ultimate dream is the most famous race in the world. That was my goal.”
“The Doctor” hopes to quickly be competitive on the track, welcomed like a rockstar and cheered by the crowd upon his arrival on Friday, June 7th at Le Mans. Everyone calls him “The Doctor” and he hopes to quickly be competitive on the track alongside his teammates, Omani Ahmad Al Harty and Belgian Maxime Martin.
Valentino Rossi also has the advantage of being familiar with Le Mans, where he has previously won the French MotoGP Grand Prix three times in 2002, 2005, and 2008. “But that was on the short circuit. This time, it will be on the full Circuit de la Sarthe, with the nightfall, night relays, forest traps, fatigue, traffic…”
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