A positive first for Valentino Rossi at Bathurst

Apart from Red Bull and its RB7, Valentino Rossi was one of the main attractions this weekend at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It was enough to see the numerous t-shirts emblazoned with the number 46 or the people gathered around the Team WRT garage at Mount Panorama to see the Italian legend from near or far.

Although he knew Australia quite well, having won eight times at Phillip Island during his motorcycle career, “Il dottore” had until then never set foot at Bathurst, one of the most popular circuits. renowned in the world. This is now done with his first participation in a race on Mount Panorama.

« My first experience in Bathurst was very good because it's a great place, savor Valentino Rossi For us Europeans it is a legendary place because we always play there on the simulator. Having the chance to race here and get a taste of the real track is great. It's a fantastic circuit."

Rossi at the gates of the Top 5

In the race the situation was somewhat different for the Transalpine. Associated with Augusto Farfus and Maxime Martin in the No. 4 BMW M3 GT46, the Team WRT driver saw his hopes of a podium disappear when his team had to bring their car into the garage 2h30 from the finish to settle a problem with the brake light. He was thus satisfied with the 6^e place in the general classification.

« It's definitely a positive weekend for me and the team, continues Valentino Rossi. It was great to do this race! I felt good on the track from the start and had a good pace. It's a new car for the team but it's very pleasant to drive. During the race, especially in the hot conditions, we need a little more pace, but it's only the beginning of the season! »

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