Valentino Rossi, the celebrated MotoGP champion, has shared that his racing experience at 24 Hours of Le Mans feels more enjoyable due to reduced pressure compared to his grand prix days. The Italian legend, who retired from MotoGP at the end of 2021, is now focusing on car racing and appreciates the unique challenges of endurance events like Le Mans.
From MotoGP to Endurance Racing: Rossi’s Transition
After retiring from a highly successful MotoGP career, where he won nine world championships, Rossi shifted his attention to car racing, making his World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut last season. Competing with the WRT BMW team, he managed to secure two podium finishes, though the team’s entry at last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans ended prematurely when teammate Ahmad Al Harthy crashed.
Returning for his second Le Mans race, Rossi is again sharing driving duties with Al Harthy, while Kelvin van der Linde has been added to their lineup for 2025. The team showed strong pace recently, topping qualifying in the LMGT3 category with Al Harthy behind the wheel on Wednesday evening.
Pressure Differences Between Le Mans and MotoGP
Speaking at Le Mans, Rossi reflected on the contrasting mental pressures he faces on the racetrack. While MotoGP once felt like his entire life and brought intense stress, he now finds his car racing experience more rewarding and less burdensome.
I live this experience in a better way, because for me I enjoy very much racing with cars and working with the team,
Rossi said.
He added that Le Mans holds a special place in motorsport history, and competing there remains a thrilling experience:
“I’m very happy to be at Le Mans, which is one of the most famous and iconic races in the world.”
Despite enjoying the event more, Rossi acknowledged the contrast with his grand prix days:
“But I feel a lot less pressure compared to MotoGP. MotoGP, for me, was the reason for my life, so was sometimes difficult to manage the pressure.”
So, here I can say that I enjoy it more.
Maintaining Commitment and Effort Despite Reduced Pressure
Although Rossi feels less pressure in endurance racing, his dedication on the track remains unwavering. He continues to give his full effort to improve his skills, acknowledging that adapting from motorcycle to car racing presents new challenges, partly due to his age.
I mean, I have less pressure,
he explained.
I feel a little bit less pressure, but my commitment, my effort is always 100% because I like a lot to give my maximum and improve my skills and my level as a driver.
He highlighted the importance of teamwork in endurance racing, especially since drivers share the same car, unlike MotoGP where riders compete on different machines. Rossi praised the quality of his teammates, including Maxime Martin, Raffaele Marciello, Augusto Farfus, and Kelvin van der Linde.
Here, the car is the same car, so you can have exactly the same feeling. And this I like a lot.
Improvements and Expectations for the Race
Looking ahead to the upcoming race, Rossi believes that the BMW M4 GT3 No.46 car has developed significantly since last year, especially in terms of electronic systems and stability, allowing drivers to push harder on the track.
I think we improved the car from last year, we improved the electronics side, and also the stability of the car; you can push more,
said Rossi.
Despite these enhancements, Rossi noted it remains difficult to gauge the competition’s overall pace, particularly with strong teams like Ferrari and Porsche also in contention.
He pointed out the unpredictability of endurance racing, referring to last year’s event, which was heavily affected by bad weather and safety car periods.
Looks like the forecast at the moment is better, looks like it will be a dry race, which will be better from a point of view because you can concentrate and push.
Significance of Rossi’s Racing Journey at Le Mans
Valentino Rossi’s journey from the high-pressure world of MotoGP to endurance racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans reflects his passion for motorsport and his desire to explore new challenges. His positive outlook on this shift and the improved experience he finds in car racing show his adaptability and ongoing commitment to excellence.
As he continues to compete alongside highly experienced drivers and improve his performance, Rossi’s presence at Le Mans adds to the event’s prestige while highlighting the growing crossover between motorcycle and car racing disciplines. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as he pursues further success with the WRT BMW team in one of motorsport’s most demanding endurance races.
