Valentino Rossi sees himself performing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

These are his first 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, he does not arrive here as a beginner. Valentino Rossi knows the Le Mans circuit very well. At least part of it. The Italian has won four times in MotoGP on the Grand Prix circuit, which is partly used by the 24 Hours track. Last year, the number 46 also participated in one of the support races, Road to Le Mans. This time on the 13.626 km track. An event he won.

In addition to having driven there physically, the nine-time Moto GP world champion has done several simulator sessions to get a feel for it. Even if this aspect of the work did not excite him. « It’s a bit boring with the long straight lines. » The driver preferred the on-site sessions. « It’s completely different. Especially with the speeds you can reach. »

Beyond the significant preparation work, Valentino Rossi is realizing one of his dreams. I am very honored to be here, as it has been one of my goals since I started in car racing. Last year, I was able to race in the Road to Le Mans. I was able to tackle the track.

Will the VR46 Academy soon be at Le Mans?

The Italian’s first laps on the Sarthe track were very convincing. Eighth during the test day, he then accelerated as his pace continued to improve. Even though his BMW did not manage to reach the hyperpole milestone, his team has a great chance for the race. Especially since the crew finished fourth in Qatar and second in Imola. Speed has been there from the beginning. Vale, he has a certain talent for feeling the car’s behavior. He has progressed well. He understands the procedures, he does not make mistakes, highlights Maxime Martin, one of his teammates.

Number 46 believes he can achieve great things this weekend during the double clock. « We are ready for this race. These are ten very long days. The tests were quite good, we had an interesting pace. We can be competitive, he assures.

The former Yamaha rider attracted a huge crowd in Le Mans. During the autograph session on Tuesday, his booth was stormed. Another interaction with the public is planned for this Friday with the parade in the city center. « I hope to survive (laughs)! »

Now far from the universe that made him shine in the 2000s and 2010s, Valentino Rossi still remains close. Founder of his own pilots’ academy, the native of Tavullia currently coaches several men in Moto GP. But has he indirectly influenced them and made them want to switch to four wheels? « I am very close to my academy. All the car drivers are fans of motorcycles and vice versa. Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Franco Morbidelli and my brother, Luca Marini, always want to try my car. I have already raced against my brother in Abu Dhabi. He is very fast. When he stops in Moto GP, he will probably switch to four wheels. »

If he is telling the truth, the shadow of VR46 should therefore continue to loom over the circuits for many years to come.