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MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi continues to pursue his ambition of competing in the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar class, despite acknowledging the limited prospects for such a move in the immediate future.
Rossi, who retired from MotoGP in 2021, has openly expressed his preference for prototype machinery, believing it aligns more closely with his driving style compared to the GT3 cars he has been racing.
The Italian driver had an opportunity to test the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the rookie test held in Bahrain last year. During the test, Rossi recorded lap times that were just a tenth of a second slower than those set by Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, who was driving a Ferrari 499P.
Despite this promising performance, Rossi has not secured a place in the Hypercar class and will remain in the WEC’s LMGT3 class for the second consecutive season in 2025. Rossi disclosed that he dedicated the past year to exploring potential Hypercar programs for 2026, but these plans have yet to materialize.
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"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 is not feasible, 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, Rossi has exclusively competed with Vincent Vosse’s WRT team. The Belgian squad serves as BMW’s factory partner in the Hypercar category and will expand its program next year to include the German manufacturer’s efforts in the IMSA’s GTP class.
Rossi suggested that this development could create opportunities for him to participate in selected IMSA rounds, particularly 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 dismissed 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 focused his efforts on the championship this year after withdrawing from GT World Challenge Europe. Over the 16 WEC races he contested across the two seasons, he achieved four podium finishes in his class. He narrowly missed winning this year’s Imola 6 Hours in the #46 BMW M4 GT3, which he shared with Kelvin van der Linde and Ahmad Al Harthy.
Rossi’s three-year contract as a factory BMW driver is set to expire at the end of this year. While a contract renewal is anticipated, the championship he will compete in during 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."
Background on Valentino Rossi’s Career
Valentino Rossi, born on February 16, 1979, in Urbino, Italy, is widely regarded as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. His illustrious career in MotoGP spanned over two decades, during which he secured seven premier class world championships (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009). In addition to his seven MotoGP titles, Rossi also won championships in the 125cc (1997) and 250cc (1999) classes.
Rossi’s charismatic personality and engaging racing style have earned him a global fan base. His transition to car racing following his retirement from MotoGP has generated considerable interest, as he seeks to apply his skills and experience in a new motorsport discipline.
WRT’s Expanded Role with BMW
WRT’s (We Racing Together) enhanced partnership with BMW marks a significant step for the Belgian team. Established in 2009, WRT has quickly risen to prominence in the world of GT racing, securing numerous victories and championships in various GT series. Their collaboration with BMW in the Hypercar category underscores their technical capabilities and expertise.
The team’s expansion into IMSA’s GTP class further solidifies its position as a leading motorsport organization. By managing BMW’s efforts in both WEC and IMSA, WRT will play a crucial role in the German manufacturer’s global endurance racing program.
IMSA’s GTP Class
The GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class is the premier category in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The class features hybrid-powered prototypes from manufacturers such as Acura, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche. The GTP cars are characterized by their advanced technology, aerodynamic designs, and high performance.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a North American sports car racing series sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The series features a variety of classes, including GTP, LMP2, LMP3, GTD Pro, and GTD, competing in endurance races at iconic venues such as Daytona International Speedway, Sebring International Raceway, and Road Atlanta.
Michelin Endurance Cup
The Michelin Endurance Cup is a subset of races within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The cup consists of the four longest and most prestigious endurance races on the calendar: the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, and the Motul Petit Le Mans. These races are known for their challenging conditions, strategic complexity, and the need for multiple drivers to share the driving duties.
Valentino Rossi’s GT Racing Career
Since retiring from MotoGP, Valentino Rossi has focused on GT racing, primarily competing in the GT World Challenge Europe and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). In the GT World Challenge Europe, Rossi has driven for WRT, piloting a BMW M4 GT3. He has shown steady improvement and has achieved several notable results, including podium finishes.
In the WEC, Rossi competes in the LMGT3 class, which features production-based GT cars. His participation in the series has attracted significant attention, as fans eagerly follow his progress in this new chapter of his racing career.
Future Prospects
Valentino Rossi’s pursuit of a Hypercar seat reflects his continued passion for racing at the highest level. While opportunities in the Hypercar class may be limited in the short term, his potential involvement in IMSA’s GTP class with WRT could provide a pathway to compete in top-tier prototype racing.
As his contract with BMW approaches its end, the decision regarding his racing program for 2026 will be closely watched. Whether he remains in the WEC, explores opportunities in IMSA, or pursues other motorsport ventures, Rossi’s future endeavors are sure to captivate fans around the world.
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