Fans know MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi’s love of four wheels. He recently announced that he will compete in a full season of the GT Challenge Europe series in 2022 driving with Team WRT. After a legendary career spanning more than 20 years, the nine-time world champion decided to retire from motorcycle racing.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
While dominating MotoGP in the 2000s, he got the opportunity to race in F1 with the Ferrari team. On a recent talk show with American journalist and entrepreneur Graham Bensinger, Rossi revealed that he tested the Ferrari F1 car in 2006. Rossi described it as a “very good moment” of his life.
F1 CEO and former Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali called him back then to give him a taste of an F1 car. Rossi had a childhood dream of being in Formula 1 and he came pretty close. He completed a test with Ferrari in Valencia, Spain in 2006 and Rossi, who is synonymous with speed, was quick as expected.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
The Italian racer was at a crossroads but ultimately chose MotoGP. “The Doctor” had an amazing experience in Enzo Ferrari’s office during his field trip with the team.
Valentino Rossi is chasing his dream of car racing
Rossi recalls that his decision to continue motorcycle racing drew a lot of backlash from his friends and family. He says the plan wasn’t straight with F1 and there were a lot of question marks. He recalled being pressured by many, including his mother, to go with Ferrari.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
“I had a plan for F1, but it didn’t work with the Ferrari. I should start with a smaller team, try to gain some experience and if I’m fast enough then (I will) get to Ferrari,” Rossi said of the incident.
“But there were many question marks. I felt good with the car, I wasn’t that bad. But I wanted to keep racing with MotoGP. It wasn’t easy, I had a lot of pressure from my side to drive the Ferrari because it was something big, including my mother for example,” he added.
MotoGP – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – April 18, 2021 Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Valentino Rossi before the race REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Now he’s pursuing his dream of racing with Team WRT in GT Challenge Europe 2022. Fans are excited to see the Italian legend at the wheel and hopefully this second inning of his career will be as good as his first.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24/7 coverage, the latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
