First appearance in Hyperpole for Rossi: “Happy with this change”

This is one of the regulation changes for the 2025 FIA World Championship season.Endurance. In LMGT3, the two qualifying sessions are now shared between the drivers. Until now, only the Bronzes were allowed to take part in the flying lap exercise in Q1 and then in Hyperpole. While their presence is still mandatory during the first phase, the battle for pole position is now reserved for drivers classified as Silver by the FIA. A change that notably allows Valentino Rossi to take part in Hyperpole. On Thursday, the Italian set the eighth fastest time of the year at the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 n°46 of the WRT team.

« It was good, we did a good job, Rossi said to Self after the session. I was hoping to stay in the top six, but we are finally eighth. This is our potential because the lap was good. I drove well. It was a good lap. Maybe I could gain a tenth, but it doesn't change much. I am very happy that this year the Silvers are also participating in Hyperpole, because it is a very exciting moment. You drive the car with the least fuel and with new tires, you have to reach the limit. I am very happy with this change. »

Partnered with Ahmad Al Harthy and Kelvin van der Linde for this new season, Valentino Rossi is aiming for a place in the top five at the end of the 1812 km of Qatar this Friday. The podium will be difficult, other cars are a little more efficient, estimates the Transalpine. It's a long race, it's 10 hours long, and a lot of things are going to happen. I'll be happy if we stay in the top five. McLaren, Lexus and Ferrari are above. The Corvette is also fast. It will be very important not to make any mistakes on the track and in the pits. We will see at the end. »

The start of the 1812 km of Qatar will be given at 12:00, French time.

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