Rossi to Miss Gulf 12H After Close Contact Tests Positive

Nine-time Grand Prix motorcycle racing world champion Valentino Rossi will miss this weekend’s Gulf 12 Hours after having contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Kessel Racing team that is running the VR46 entry issued a statement on Wednesday confirming that Rossi is self-isolating as a precaution and will therefore be unable to take his seat in the No. 46 Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.

The VR46 entry will continue with its Gulf 12 Hours program without its star member Rossi, who was set to make his first four-wheel circuit racing appearance since his retirement from a glittering MotoGP career at the end of the 2021 season.

Rossi’s half-brother and current MotoGP rider Luca Marini will team up with Alessio Salucci and David Fumanelli for the two-part race at Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday.

Rossi, Marini and Salucci finished fourth overall and third in the Pro-Am class at last year’s Gulf 12 Hours which took place at Bahrain International Circuit.

A total of 15 cars including a dozen GT3 vehicles are on the entry list for the event’s return to Yas Marina. A pair of test sessions are due to be held on Thursday.