Valentino Rossi: “There is a good chance that I will compete in the same championship in 2023”

“This is my 3rd experience in a 24 Hour race”, emphasized Valentino Rossi. “Of course, we would have liked to be in the top 20 to have access to Super Pole. But combined with our three times, we achieved the 25th time. It is true that during the first attempts, we were delayed (an engine problem, Editor’s note). Thursday evening was also my first experience of driving at night. It's very special. The braking reference points and certain trajectories are not easy to find. But that’s part of the magic of racing. This Saturday, Nico (Müller, Editor's note) will start. In principle, I will do the 2nd stint. »

What do you expect from this race?

I think she'll be crazy. With 66 cars on the track, it's going to be hot but also a lot of fun. The Audi is a very good car for this kind of racing. And this circuit is perfectly suited to this type of event. All turns are good. It's not going to be easy not to make a mistake. The problem is that you can be focused on overtaking one competitor at the same time as two others are trying to gain an advantage over you.

How long do you plan to ride this weekend?

I am scheduled to do three two-hour stints. Afterwards, we will take stock. I might have an extra hour or two.

Why did you take ten penalty places?

On this one, I was a little unlucky. When leaving the pits, I pressed the wrong button and exceeded the speed of 50 km/h. During the night I overtook the Bentley under yellow flag. So, from 25th place, we fell to 35th position.

What is your assessment of your season so far?

I'm happy with how it's going. The results are more or less what I expected. But the level is very high, many drivers are fast. It is clear that I still have to improve, understand the car better, integrate the regulations, be more efficient in the pits and in driver changes. We also had good results like in Misano, at Paul-Ricard.

Are you ready to face the rain?

I'm ready. I had the opportunity to drive the car in the rain but it's difficult enough as it is. So, I would prefer a dry race.

What are your plans for next year?

It is not yet decided but there is a good chance that I will continue my involvement in this championship. For the moment, there is no question of disputing the 24 Hours of Le Mans but… you never know.

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