Valentino Rossi, the seven-time MotoGP world champion, is set to embark on a thrilling new adventure in the world of car racing. The Italian legend will join Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) this year, forming a formidable partnership with factory driver Maxime Martin.
Rossi and Martin first teamed up in the GTWCE back in 2023, and their successful partnership continues to flourish. In the WEC’s new LMGT3 class, Rossi, as the silver-rated driver, will join Martin and bronze-rated Ahmad Al Harthy to compete against other top-class drivers. The trio aims to make a strong impression in the highly competitive field.
The dynamic duo of Rossi and Martin will be joined by new BMW signing Marciello in the Pro class of the GTWCE Endurance Cup. The highlight of this championship is the renowned Spa 24 Hours, which will take place at the end of June. With their combined skills and experience, the trio is ready to take on this prestigious endurance race and push for the top spot on the podium.
Rossi and Martin are not only focused on endurance racing; they also have their sights set on the GTWCE Sprint Cup. The Italian motorcycle legend has a special connection with two circuits in particular – Brands Hatch and Misano. It was at these tracks where Rossi achieved his best results last year, securing his first GTWCE podium at Brands Hatch and then going on to claim a maiden victory at Misano. They will compete in the opening two rounds of the GTWCE Sprint Cup, aiming to continue their success on these challenging circuits.
Ahmad Al Harthy, hailing from Oman, is making the move to Team WRT after a successful debut season in the WEC in 2023 with the TF Sport Aston Martin team. Al Harthy’s talents will complement those of Rossi and Martin, making them a strong force to be reckoned with in the LMGT3 class.
With this GTWCE and WEC partnership, Rossi will be busy with a minimum of 16 race weekends throughout the season. This includes eight races in the WEC, five GTWCE enduros, the two double-header events in the sprint segment, and the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the Bathurst 12 Hours. Rossi is eagerly awaiting the start of the season, excited about the challenges that lie ahead.
Rossi is thrilled with his 2024 programme and is eager to get started. In the GTWCE, he believes that the collaboration with Maxime and Marciello will be a winning combination. As for the WEC, it’s a brand new experience for Rossi, and he is excited about participating in prestigious events like the main event at Le Mans, as well as races in Austin and Sao Paulo. With his competitive spirit, Rossi is determined to showcase his talents and make an impact in the car racing world.
Maxime Martin expresses his happiness about teaming up with Rossi once again for the 2024 season. The reunion with the MotoGP legend promises to reignite their shared passion for racing and elevate their performance on the track. Both Rossi and Martin are driven individuals who are ready to push themselves to new limits in pursuit of victory.
Team WRT is assembling a powerhouse of drivers for the 2024 season. Alongside Rossi, Martin, and Al Harthy, BMW stalwart Augusto Farfus will be joining forces with Sean Gelael and Darren Leung in car #31. The team will also field a Pro class M4 in the GTWCE enduros, making use of the impressive skills of Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon van der Linde, and Charles Weerts. Team WRT’s focus and determination are evident as they aim to secure top positions in both the Sprint Cup and the Endurance Cup.
The partnership between Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin in Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 marks an exciting new chapter in the careers of both drivers. With their exceptional skills and championship-winning experience, they are well-equipped to make a significant impact in the WEC and GTWCE championships. The upcoming season promises to be an exhilarating journey filled with intense competition, thrilling races, and the pursuit of victory. Motorsport enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the start of the season to witness this remarkable collaboration in action.
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