Rossi Tests WRT Audi at Valencia

Motorcycle racing great Valentino Rossi has tested a Team WRT-prepared Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II during a session at Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia.

The nine-time world champion took part in the Audi Sport-run test on Thursday, as one of several drivers to suit up for WRT.

A statement from WRT said that Rossi’s outing was conducted “with a view to evaluate future cooperation possibilities” between the Italian and the team from Belgium.

Vincent Vosse’s squad secured a Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS treble in the overall, Endurance Cup and Sprint Cup teams’ championships this year.

It also won LMP2 titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series, garnished with a maiden class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Rossi tested in an Audi emblazoned with his trademark No. 46 emblem, turning laps of a circuit where he claimed a pair top-level victories during a decorated MotoGP career.

The 42-year-old retired from MotoGP at the end of the 2021 season but has expressed eagerness to compete in more four-wheel races after hanging up his riding helmet.

He recently expressed curiosity in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, describing the series as “very interesting”.

Rossi has also been confirmed to return to the Gulf 12 Hours next month, driving a Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 in the race at Yas Marina Circuit.