Valentino Rossi is adding another exciting milestone to his car racing career by joining the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2025, as part of his program with the WRT BMW squad. This thrilling event, part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, will see Rossi driving the BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside accomplished teammates Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weerts.

A Shift in Focus

Earlier this month, Rossi announced his commitment to focusing on the LMGT3 class for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with BMW’s factory program. After a busy 2024 season that combined WEC and the GT World Challenge Europe, Rossi opted to streamline his schedule. The decision reflects a balance between his professional racing ambitions and personal life, including family commitments and the expansion of his VR46 MotoGP team.

A Return to Bathurst

Rossi’s participation in the Bathurst 12 Hour marks a highly anticipated return. He previously competed in the event in 2023 and 2024, securing an impressive fifth-place finish last year in partnership with Marciello and Maxime Martin. WRT team boss Vincent Vosse expressed enthusiasm for Rossi’s inclusion, noting the MotoGP icon’s passion for unique racing weekends.

“There are some special races that he enjoys,” Vosse told Crash.net. “Bathurst is one of those weekends he loves to do.”

Rossi’s Growing Legacy in GT Racing

Rossi debuted in the WEC last year, earning two podium finishes in the #46 BMW shared with Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin. For 2025, he will reunite with Al Harthy and welcome Kelvin van der Linde, a two-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner, as Martin’s replacement. Vosse highlighted how Rossi’s evolving priorities influenced the decision to focus on WEC.

“Everything is coming from age, personal situation, professional situation,” Vosse explained. “The VR46 MotoGP team is growing, and with the addition of Franco Morbidelli as a rider, they are entering a new era. Vale himself is also entering a new era, having recently welcomed his second child.”

A Streamlined Season with Big Goals

With his sights firmly set on WEC, Rossi is poised to reduce the number of race weekends compared to 2024. This strategic move allows him to concentrate on high-stakes events like Bathurst while maintaining a presence in endurance racing’s premier platform.

As Rossi continues to build his legacy in motorsport, fans can look forward to seeing the MotoGP legend tackle one of the world’s most challenging circuits. The Bathurst 12 Hour promises to be another thrilling chapter in his remarkable career.