Valentino Rossi Eyes Future Hypercar Drive Despite Setbacks in Securing a WEC Seat

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has expressed his enduring ambition to compete in the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar class, although acknowledging the increasing challenges in securing a drive in the premier category of endurance racing. Rossi, who transitioned to GT racing following his retirement from MotoGP in 2021, believes that the characteristics of Hypercar machinery better align with his driving style compared to the GT3 cars he currently pilots.

The Italian driver had a promising opportunity to test the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the Bahrain rookie test the previous year. During this test, Rossi demonstrated his adaptability and skill by setting lap times that were only a tenth of a second slower than those achieved by Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, who was driving a Ferrari 499P. Despite this encouraging performance, Rossi’s Hypercar aspirations have yet to materialize, and he is slated to continue competing in the WEC’s LMGT3 class for the upcoming 2025 season.

Rossi revealed that he dedicated significant effort throughout the past year to exploring potential Hypercar programs for the 2026 season. However, these efforts have not yet yielded a concrete opportunity. "The hypercar is more similar to a motorcycle [than a GT3] – and I enjoy [driving] it," Rossi stated in Bahrain, highlighting his preference for the handling and performance characteristics of the top-tier endurance racing cars. "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."

The nine-time Grand Prix world champion’s comments reflect the competitive nature of securing a coveted Hypercar seat, with numerous established drivers and emerging talents vying for limited opportunities within the factory-backed and privateer teams. The Hypercar class, which features cutting-edge hybrid technology and represents the pinnacle of WEC competition, has attracted a diverse array of manufacturers, including Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, Cadillac, and Peugeot, each fielding multiple entries.

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When questioned about the possibility of participating in individual Hypercar races, even if a full-season campaign proves unattainable, Rossi indicated his openness to such opportunities. "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," he explained. "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."

Rossi’s association with Vincent Vosse’s WRT team, which serves as BMW’s factory partner in the Hypercar category, could potentially open doors for him in the future. WRT is set to expand its involvement with BMW by taking over the running of the German manufacturer’s IMSA GTP program, which runs concurrently with their WEC commitment. This expansion could lead to opportunities for Rossi to compete in selected IMSA rounds, particularly the longer Michelin Endurance Cup events, which 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," Rossi commented, expressing his optimism about the potential for IMSA opportunities. However, he tempered expectations regarding participation in the upcoming 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."

Since transitioning to car racing full-time, Rossi has exclusively raced with WRT. His involvement with the team began following the introduction of the LMGT3 ruleset in WEC in 2024, and he has focused his efforts on the championship after stepping away from GT World Challenge Europe. Over the course of 16 WEC races across two seasons, Rossi has secured four podium finishes in his class, narrowly missing out on victory at the Imola 6 Hours this year in the #46 BMW M4 GT3, which he shared with Kelvin van der Linde and Ahmad Al Harthy.

Rossi’s current three-year contract as a factory BMW driver is set to expire at the end of the year. While a contract renewal is widely anticipated, the specific championship in which he will compete in 2026 remains uncertain. "We still don’t know what we will do, which championship," Rossi said. "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."

The decision regarding Rossi’s future racing program will likely depend on a variety of factors, including BMW’s strategic objectives, the availability of competitive drives in various championships, and Rossi’s own preferences. While the Hypercar class remains his primary ambition, the LMGT3 category offers a platform for continued success and development as a GT driver. Additionally, the potential for IMSA opportunities through WRT’s expanded involvement with BMW could provide Rossi with the chance to experience new challenges and iconic endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Valentino Rossi’s transition from MotoGP to GT racing has been closely followed by fans and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. His ability to adapt to different machinery and his unwavering competitiveness have made him a compelling figure in the world of sports car racing. While a Hypercar drive has yet to materialize, his continued determination and the potential opportunities arising from BMW’s expanded racing programs suggest that Rossi’s Hypercar dream may yet come to fruition. The coming months will be crucial as Rossi and BMW evaluate their options and chart a course for the 2026 season and beyond.