MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi will return to racing on Australian shores next year – but on four wheels.
The seven-time world champion has been confirmed as a starter in February’s Bathurst 12hr aboard a BMW M4 GT3, racing for 2018 12hr winners Team WRT.
He has spent 2022 driving for WRT in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint and Endurance Championships, which included a tilt at the famous Spa 24 Hour race.
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He will drive with Belgian Maxime Martin and Brazilian Augusto Farfus Jr. The car will carry Rossi’s famous No.46.
Bathurst 12hr event director Shane Rudzis said he was expecting an uptick in interest following the Italian’s inclusion.
“Valentino Rossi is one of the biggest names in the world of motorsport and we’re proud the Bathurst 12 Hour will be his first experience of Mount Panorama,” he said.
“Having had so much success here on two wheels, Valentino has an enormous Australian fanbase and we are prepared for a significant increase in attention as a result of his entry.
“It’s one of the most significant driver announcements in Bathurst 12 Hour history and we are thankful to BMW, WRT, Valentino and his team for making it happen – and we can’t wait to welcome him to Mount Panorama next February.”
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