Valentino Rossi: “Starting 21st, it’s not a big deal”

Valentino Rossi always attracts crowds. Both on his stand and in the press room, we are scrambling to collect a few sentences from the legendary driver of the BMW M4 GT3 that he shares this weekend with Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus.

Published on 01/07/2023 à 09:36

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Valentino Rossi: “Starting 21st is not a big deal”

Valentino Rossi returns to the 24 Hours of Spa. © SRO-Twenty-One Creation/Jules Benichou

What is your assessment after qualifying?

A few weeks ago, we performed much better during private tests. This Thursday, the car was a little slower. Frankly, we were aiming for the top 20 to take part in the super pole. Bad luck, we ranked 21st. I'm sure that Maxime (Martin, Editor's note) would have done a good job this (Friday) afternoon. But it's not a big deal to start from this position. If we have the pace, we can fight for the top 10. And why not better…

Rain is forecast overnight. Are you confident?

Last year, we experienced a very special edition of the 24 Hours of Spa. It did not rain ! Which is very rare here. The forecast is calling for rain, indeed. I hope the showers will be less intense than Thursday evening. In the night it was impossible to see the trail. But that's not the only challenge. There are also these 70 cars whose performance is more or less identical. And the best GT drivers are gathered here.

Where do you stand in relation to your teammates?

Maxime (Martin, Editor's note) and Augusto (Farfus) are faster than me but I am not that far. I can still improve; it depends on the conditions. It must be said that Maxime, the regional rider for the stage, is formidable on this track which he knows perfectly.

Will you do double relays?

Yes. I like it, it's also a good way to allow teammates to rest better.

Coming from Audi, how was your adaptation to BMW?

It’s true that these are two very different cars. The Audi required a lot of kilometers behind the wheel to exploit its potential. The BMW is a little easier, especially in fast curves.

What do you think of this circuit?

It's a fantastic track for cars. I love it. It's like Assen in MotoGP. As for seeing motorcycles arrive at Francorchamps, very serious developments would be required in two or three areas. As you know, MotoGP requires space, huge clearances. But if these modifications were made, I'm sure that motorcycle riders would also enjoy it.

Comments collected by DOMINIQUE DRICOT, in Spa

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