Valentino Rossi is excited to share the track with Max Verstappen, but the MotoGP legend is aware that the four-time Formula 1 world champion may make it tough for the opposition at the GT World Challenge Europe season finale in Portimao, Portugal.
This weekend, Verstappen will make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe series, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in the three-hour Endurance Cup race.
Meanwhile, Rossi will be driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT, which will be a highly anticipated clash between two of motorsport’s biggest names.
Rossi told Sky Sport Italy that the arrival of Verstappen would make things more competitive.
“It’s going to be amazing,” the nine-time motorcycle world champion said, before adding that the Dutchman would be “a big problem” because he expects him to be incredibly fast.
Valentino Rossi Admits He Never Expected to Race Max Verstappen
Rossi’s excitement goes beyond the prospect of competing against another elite driver. The Italian legend admitted he never thought he’d be on the same racing grid as Verstappen.
“I have to say, I never imagined I’d be racing against Max Verstappen,” Rossi said.
(Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
The 47-year-old is no stranger to four-wheel racing after moving into GT competition following his legendary motorcycle career. He has proven to be a strong competitor in the GT World Challenge Europe series and has won Sprint Cup races.
Rossi also said he would like to be close to Verstappen during the race to see how the Dutchman drives the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Verstappen will be driving the No. 3 Mercedes, while Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat will be sharing the car. Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen will be driving the No. 46 BMW.
Max Verstappen and Valentino Rossi Prepare for Portimao Showdown
The clash is coming at a challenging time for Verstappen, who is juggling his F1 duties with an increasing passion for endurance racing. The GT World Challenge Europe finale will take place from October 16-18, with the three-hour race set for Saturday, October 17.
Rossi’s weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to race against one of modern Formula 1’s top drivers. It’s another opportunity for Verstappen to prove himself in a different sport.
Both are experienced drivers, and their first encounter on a GT3 track will be an interesting one for fans of both Formula 1 and MotoGP.
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