ROAD NEWS
ROSSI JOINS BMW M MOTORSPORT
While we generally try to keep away from stuff with four wheels , when that stuff involves one of the greatest riders in history , we take a closer look . Valentino Rossi needs no introduction to motorcycling fans . After a career in the top echelons of MotoGP , Rossi doesn ’ t seem to be slowing down after stepping back from bikes , with the Italian joining BMW ’ s M works driver squad for 2023 . Rossi contested the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup driving a BMW M4 GT3 alongside Maxime Martin . Further to that commitment , he has also agreed with BMW M Motorsport to a works commitment that goes beyond the race appearances with BMW M Team WRT . The nine-time world champion , who called time on his long-standing , successful career on two wheels back in 2021 , is set to contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and Bathurst 12 Hour in the BMW M4 GT3 next year – and will also be available for racing and testing in BMW M Motorsport racing cars . “ I am very proud to become an official BMW M works driver and it is a great opportunity ,” said Rossi . “ Last year I started racing seriously in cars and I finished my first season with the WRT team with whom I got on very well , and I am
very happy that the WRT team chose BMW M Motorsport as a new partner . I have already had a chance to test the BMW M4 GT3 twice and the feeling with the car is very good . I think we could be competitive next season . Also , BMW M Motorsport has given me the opportunity to race with two very strong drivers next year , Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus . I still have a lot to learn and improve , but I hope to be up to the task and fast enough to fight during the race weekends .” While transitioning from two wheels to four and racing hard is far from an easy proposition , BMW ’ s Head of M Motorsport , Andreas Roos , seems to believe that Rossi has what it takes . “ Valentino needs no introduction . As one of the most successful motorcycle racer of all time , he has made history . His successes on the racetrack and his personality have quite rightly made him a living legend ,” he said . “ But Valentino has proved that he is also an excellent racer on four wheels . He has shown that car racing has become his second motorsport home , and he brings all his passion , skills and commitment to this new `chapter of his career . It ’ s fantastic that Valentino will be joining our family as a new works driver . Welcome aboard Vale !”
22 KIWI RIDER