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MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi makes major 2026 racing announcement
Motorcycle racing legend Valentino Rossi has announced that he will continue his partnership with BMW in 2026 and shift his focus to full-time participation in car racing in the GT World Challenge Europe.
After a decorated career in MotoGP, Rossi transitioned to professional car racing with WRT in Audi machinery before moving to BMW and making his debut in the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
Following a successful dual campaign in GTWCE and WEC, Rossi decided to concentrate solely on the World Endurance Championship for a period.
Despite podium finishes in WEC, Rossi revealed last year that he would not return to the series due to family commitments.
During the VR46 MotoGP team’s launch event in Rome, Rossi confirmed his return to GTWCE and his contract extension with BMW for three more years, emphasizing how the GTWC is a championship he enjoys with its European races closer together compared to the WEC’s international schedule.
