Valentino Rossi Eyes Future Hypercar Opportunity Despite Current Roadblocks

MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi has expressed his enduring ambition to compete in the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar class, acknowledging that the path to realizing this dream faces significant obstacles in the near term.

Since retiring from MotoGP in 2021, Rossi has transitioned to GT racing, but his preference leans towards prototype machinery, which he believes aligns more effectively with his driving style compared to GT3 cars.

The Italian driver had a chance to experience the BMW M Hybrid V8 during the Bahrain rookie test last year. In this session, he demonstrated impressive speed, positioning himself just a tenth of a second behind Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Charles Leclerc, who was driving a Ferrari 499P.

Despite this promising performance, Rossi has not yet secured a position in the Hypercar class, and he is set to continue competing in the WEC’s LMGT3 class for the upcoming 2025 season.

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Rossi revealed that he had dedicated the entire year to pursuing a potential Hypercar program for 2026, but those plans have not yet come to fruition.

"The hypercar is more similar to a motorcycle [than a GT3] – and I enjoy [driving] it," Rossi stated in Bahrain. "So from that moment [in the Bahrain test], we tried to race in the hypercar this year, but it was not possible. All during this season, we tried to race in the hypercar for next year, but unfortunately, it was not possible. It looks like it’s difficult to race in the hypercar. I don’t know if it will happen – it’s a shame."

When asked about the possibility of participating in individual Hypercar races if a full-season campaign proves unattainable, Rossi responded, "It can be a good idea, but I don’t know if it’s possible, because usually if you race with a hypercar, it’s for the whole season. BMW has a lot of drivers, a lot of younger drivers. And it’s a shame, because I feel good with the car, and it can be interesting to race there. But I don’t know if it will happen next year. Anyway, I’m also open for some races."

Since transitioning to car racing full-time, Rossi has been exclusively associated with Vincent Vosse’s WRT team. The Belgian squad is BMW’s factory partner in the Hypercar category and will expand its program next year to manage the German manufacturer’s parallel effort in IMSA’s GTP class.

Rossi indicated that this expansion could provide an opportunity for him to participate in selected IMSA rounds, especially the longer Michelin Endurance Cup events that require additional drivers. "It can be a chance, because the WRT next year will also manage the IMSA [program]. So maybe it can be possible. I don’t know, I hope," he said.

However, Rossi ruled out the possibility of entering next year’s IMSA season-opener at Daytona, where BMW typically fields four drivers in each GTP car instead of the usual two.

"Daytona is also on the list, because it’s a great 24 hours [race]," he said. "I think for next year, it will be difficult, because January is already here. But maybe in the future."

2026 Plans Uncertain

Rossi joined the WEC full-time following the series’ introduction of the LMGT3 ruleset in 2024 and dedicated all his efforts on the championship this year after bowing out of GT World Challenge Europe.

Over the 16 WEC races he contested across the two seasons, he scored four podium finishes in his class – and came close to winning this year’s Imola 6 Hours in the #46 BMW M4 GT3 he shared with Kelvin van der Linde and Ahmad Al Harthy.

Rossi’s three-year deal as a factory BMW driver expires at the end of this year, and while a contract renewal is expected, it remains unclear which championship he will contest in 2026.

"We still don’t know what we will do, which championship," said Rossi. "The WEC can be, for sure, an option We will see with BMW in the next month. We will try to decide what is the best program."

Valentino Rossi’s Transition to Endurance Racing

Valentino Rossi, celebrated as one of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time, has embarked on a new chapter in his career since retiring from motorcycle racing. His transition to endurance racing has been marked by a strong desire to compete at the highest levels, particularly in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship.

Rossi’s interest in prototype machinery stems from his belief that it better suits his driving style. The Hypercar class, with its advanced technology and high-performance vehicles, appeals to Rossi’s competitive spirit and his desire to push the limits of his abilities.

His participation in the Bahrain rookie test provided a glimpse of his potential in a Hypercar. Driving the BMW M Hybrid V8, Rossi quickly adapted to the car and demonstrated competitive pace, finishing close behind Arthur Leclerc in the Ferrari 499P. This performance fueled his aspirations to secure a full-time seat in the Hypercar class.

BMW’s Perspective and Future Plans

BMW’s involvement in the Hypercar class is a significant factor in Rossi’s ambitions. As a factory BMW driver, Rossi has the opportunity to work with a team that is committed to success in endurance racing.

WRT, BMW’s factory partner in the Hypercar category, plays a crucial role in the manufacturer’s efforts. The team’s expansion into IMSA’s GTP class further strengthens BMW’s presence in endurance racing and could potentially open doors for Rossi to participate in selected IMSA events.

However, competition for seats in the Hypercar class is fierce. BMW has a roster of talented drivers, including younger drivers who are eager to prove themselves. This makes it challenging for Rossi to secure a full-time position in the Hypercar program.

Despite these challenges, Rossi remains optimistic about his chances. He is open to the possibility of participating in individual Hypercar races and is exploring opportunities to compete in IMSA events.

Rossi’s Commitment to WEC and Future Prospects

Rossi’s commitment to the WEC is evident in his full-time participation in the series since the introduction of the LMGT3 ruleset in 2024. He has dedicated his efforts to the championship, demonstrating his determination to succeed in endurance racing.

Over the past two seasons, Rossi has achieved four podium finishes in the LMGT3 class, showcasing his progress and competitiveness. He came close to winning the Imola 6 Hours this year, further highlighting his potential in endurance racing.

As Rossi’s three-year deal with BMW expires at the end of this year, discussions are underway regarding his future plans. While a contract renewal is expected, the specific championship he will contest in 2026 remains uncertain.

Rossi has expressed his openness to continuing in the WEC, but he is also exploring other options. The decision will ultimately depend on what BMW considers to be the best program for him, taking into account his ambitions and the team’s overall strategy.

Valentino Rossi’s Enduring Passion for Racing

Valentino Rossi’s pursuit of a Hypercar opportunity reflects his enduring passion for racing and his desire to compete at the highest levels. Despite the challenges he faces, Rossi remains committed to his goals and is determined to make his mark in endurance racing.

His transition from MotoGP to endurance racing has been a testament to his versatility and adaptability as a driver. Rossi has embraced the challenges of endurance racing and has shown the potential to succeed in this demanding discipline.

As he explores his options for the future, Valentino Rossi remains a compelling figure in the world of motorsport. His fans eagerly await his next move, hoping to see him realize his dream of competing in the Hypercar class and achieving further success in endurance racing.