Valentino Rossi conquers a historic milestone in his career: the public went crazy for the multiple motorcycling champion.
The year 2023 is off to a great start for Valentino Rossi, in his second season in motor racing. After a first year of ups and downs in the Fanatec GT WCE with the Audi R8, the champion from Tavullia has remained faithful to the Belgian team WRT but this time he has a BMW M4 GT3. And the results were not long in coming.
After the first tests of recent months and the official announcements of a few weeks ago, the Doctor immediately took to the track for the first event of the year, the Dubai 24 Hours. A long and difficult challenge that ended with the podium: together with teammates Tim Whale, Sean Gelael, Max Hesse and Maxime Martin they conquered the 3rd place. The victory went to the team formed by Mohammed Saud Fahad al Saud, Diego Menchaca, Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer, Jens Klingmann and Dries Vanthoor.
Valentino Rossi’s first podium
A truly significant podium for Valentino Rossi and BMW, together for the first time. The M4 GT3 made almost no mistakes and was right from the start in the top positions. In three weeks we’ll be back on track with the 12 Hours of Bathurst, in Australia, another exciting adventure on one of the most adrenaline-pumping circuits in the world. In Dubai, the 43-year-old from Pesaro was welcomed like a star and the podium was celebrated on the back of dromedaries. “I’m very happy because for me it’s the first car podium in my career and to do it in the first race with BMW is something great. It’s a sign, it’s a good way to start“.
The feeling with the new car is very good, even if there are still some details to polish. Now he can enjoy the last few hours in the Dubai sun before focusing on the next race. “I’ve had a good feeling with this car since I first drove it, it’s easier to drive“, added Valentino Rossi. The goal is to also repeat the Bathurst 12 Hours“an important, high-level race and the circuit is particular. I hope to be competitive there too“.
In the days leading up to the Dubai 24 Hours, he also spoke at a press conference about his past in the world championship. He recalled the lack of victory with Ducati and the tenth title missed. “I’m sorry I didn’t win the tenth world championship, especially because I think I deserved it. Twice I lost the title at the last race of the season (2006 and 2015, ed.)”.
