Legendary MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi to compete at Hankook 24-hour Dubai race

DUBAI: Seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is to make his 24H Series debut at this weekend’s Hankook 24H Dubai race as Dubai Autodrome prepares to host the 18th edition of the prestigious endurance event.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the event will feature more than 42 teams with 54 cars and 226 different drivers across the GT3, GTX and TCR categories.

The legendary 43-year-old Rossi, who holds the record of 89 premier class victories, will be one of the most recognizable faces on the grid with the Italian set to be behind the wheel for Team WRT — a two-time Hankook 24H Dubai winner.

The Dubai race will be the latest of Rossi’s GT3 career following his MotoGP retirement in 2021 and will be driving alongside Spa 24 Hours winner and 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Maxime Martin, World Endurance Championship driver Sean Gelael, and Britain’s Tim White, who currently competes in the GT4 European Series.

Speaking of Rossi’s participation, Faisal Al-Sahlawi, general manager of Dubai Autodrome, said: “Valentino Rossi is an icon when it comes to Grand Prix motorcycling, having had a truly remarkable racing career that has spanned more than 25 years, and we are thrilled to be welcoming him to Dubai Autodrome for the Hankook 24H Dubai race.

“For racing fans — regardless of which discipline you enjoy — this is an unmissable opportunity to see one of the sport’s greatest names in action right here in Dubai as he tests himself in one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. The fact that he is taking part reaffirms how highly-rated the Hankook 24H Dubai is, which continues to go from strength to strength.”

Besides