MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is gearing up for another thrilling season in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The nine-time MotoGP champion will return to Team WRT, driving the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, alongside Ahmad Al Harthy and newly recruited BMW driver Kelvin van der Linde.
Team WRT’s Line-Up and Goals for 2025
Rossi and his teammates will compete in the newly introduced LMGT3 class, with the Italian driver determined to build on a strong debut season in 2024. The other Team WRT entry, the #31 BMW, will feature an equally formidable trio of Augusto Farfus, reigning Le Mans LMGT3 champion Yasser Shahin, and GT ace Timur Boguslavskiy.
Rossi’s comments ahead of the 2025 season reflect his ambition:
“I’m very happy to continue my experience in the FIA WEC. Last year was a strong debut season with some good races and two podiums. We want to be stronger and faster, and we will work hard with BMW to improve performance and competitiveness. Le Mans is, of course, the most important one. We were unlucky last year, but we will fight for the podium in 2025.”
Rossi’s Journey in Endurance Racing
Since retiring from MotoGP, Rossi has seamlessly transitioned into sportscar racing. The 2025 season marks his fourth in endurance racing and his third driving for BMW. In 2024, Rossi achieved two podiums in the FIA WEC and gained invaluable experience in the demanding series. His testing of the BMW M Hybrid V8 Hypercar during last year’s Rookie Test demonstrated BMW’s faith in his growing skillset as a sportscar driver.
Kelvin van der Linde Joins Rossi
South African driver Kelvin van der Linde, a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and ADAC GT Masters champion, joins the #46 BMW crew. Van der Linde expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with Rossi and Al Harthy:
“Vale has become an all-rounded GT driver. I’ve worked with him in the past, and I know his commitment and data-focused approach. Ahmad is one of the best Bronze drivers in the field. Together, the three of us can make a strong team. We’re all aiming for big results, especially at Le Mans.”
Team WRT’s Momentum and Le Mans Ambitions
With the LMGT3 class offering fierce competition, Team WRT is banking on their experienced driver line-up to deliver consistent results. After a promising debut in the new class last year, the team aims to take the next step in competitiveness in 2025. Le Mans remains the ultimate prize, with both Rossi and van der Linde highlighting its importance.
What to Expect in 2025
As Rossi continues to grow as a sportscar driver, expectations are high for the #46 BMW. With proven teammates, a refined car, and a more cohesive team strategy, Rossi’s second FIA WEC season could see him claim his first endurance racing victory and a long-awaited podium at Le Mans. Fans will be eagerly watching as “The Doctor” writes another chapter in his illustrious motorsport career.
