Rossi Returns to the GT World Challenge

Written by Benjamin Crundwell

MotoGP legend, Valentino Rossi, stepped away from the GT World Challenge (GTWC) at the end of last season (2024), however he could not stay away for long. Rossi will return to the GTWC for a one-off race in Misano this year.

Credit: GTWC Photo Galleries

Rossi announced his retirement from MotoGP at the end of 2021 while on a run of bad form, only finishing 18th in the championship that season.

His performance at the end of his biking career should not fool anyone, as he took seven world titles, 89 wins, and 199 podiums, with many to regarding Rossi as the one of the best to ever do it.

Rossi signed with Team WRT in 2022, to race in the GTWC; his first season was in an Audi R8 LMS GT3, before WRT switched to using the BMW M4 GT3 for 2023 and 2024.

Throughout all three seasons Rossi continued to race with his iconic brand, the blue and yellow No.46 car.

The first season in GT3 was a slow one for Rossi, finishing 21st overall in the standings, however his improvements were significant. By the end of 2023, he finished 6th overall, and secured his first win in the Misano Sprint round.

In his final season of GTWC, 2024, Rossi could only manage 9th overall, however this was still impressive for just his third full season on four wheels. The season wasn't without any champagne though, as he once again took a win in the Misano Sprint round.

Rossi stepped back from the GTWC at the end of 2024, to focus on his campaign in the LMGT3 class in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as Rossi has expressed interest in racing in a Hypercar.

Team WRT announced this morning (11th April) that Rossi would be returning to race in Misano this year, partnering Raffaele Marciello in the Pro category.

It's no coincidence that the Italian motorcycle veteran chose to drive in Misano, having previously taken two wins at the track. Rossi will be searching for a third consecutive win at the track.