24 Hours of Le Mans – Valentino Rossi motivated in LMGT3: “I want to constantly improve”

At 46 years old, the wearer of the famous number… 46 remains motivated by the desire to surpass himself. For his second participation in the 24 hours of Le Mans, Valentino Rossi noticed the incredible appeal surrounding him. During the question-and-answer session with journalists in the BMW M Team WRT garage, around thirty reporters jostled to chat with the nine-time motorcycle world champion, leaving the other riders of the German manufacturer alone.

 

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How are you feeling ahead of the Hyperpole (Thursday, 20 p.m.), which you will be taking part in thanks to the best time in LMGT3 set by your teammate Ahmad Al Harthy?

I really like the new format (introduced by the ACO in 2025. Editor's note), because even Silver-badged drivers can take part. All drivers in each qualified crew have to set times, which helps us better understand the overall level of each car. It's good to have this experience because it will push me to be even stronger in this exercise.

Are you completely satisfied with the BMW M4 GT3?

The car isn't that bad. I think we've improved it compared to last year because the team has worked a lot on it, especially on the electronics and stability. We can push harder and the feeling is good. But it's very difficult to get an idea of ​​the level compared to the other teams. It seems that the Ferrari et Porsche are very, very efficient.

On a physical level, how did you make the transition from the MotoGP towards theEndurance Is it more exhausting?

It's a little harder than on a motorbike because, unfortunately, I'm getting old! (Laughs) But I do weight training every day. During my career on two wheels, I did a lot more cardio (MotoGP races lasted about 45 minutes, so it was an intense but relatively brief effort. Editor's note). Now I work more on my neck, back, and shoulders, because I have to press the brake pedal very hard at the end of the straight. I constantly want to improve. I always give 100% effort because I like that total commitment. I try, every time I get into a racing car, to improve my skills and technical level.

What is your analysis of the Le Mans circuit?

It's really great... whereas on the simulator, I get bored! The straights are endless. But, when I competed in the Road to Le Mans (victory with Jérôme Policand in 2023. Editor's note), I was very surprised to see that this track was great.

What changed your mind?

I like the Le Mans circuit because the speed is always very high. So I feel a lot of adrenaline, something that only comes when you're driving at 250 km/h on the "real" Mulsanne strip. In addition, all the corners are interesting. The first part, from the starting line to Tertre Rouge, is very pleasant, because it's very technical. And then the final sector from the Porsche corners is a real pleasure.

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