Valentino Rossi concluded his inaugural season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) on Saturday, with the 8 Hours of Bahrain serving as the year’s final event held at the Sakhir circuit. This season presented a significant challenge for Rossi, who has transitioned to full-time motorsport since 2022. Competing in the LMGT3 category, he drove the #46 BMW alongside Team WRT teammates Ahmad Al Harthy and Maxime Martin, proudly representing BMW as a factory driver.
During the grueling eight-hour race, Rossi and his team aimed for a top-ten finish in their category. Despite their efforts, they ultimately crossed the finish line in 14th place, trailing the race leaders by one lap. This outcome was a stark contrast to the potential they had demonstrated earlier in the season, which included two impressive podium finishes. At the conclusion of the championship, Rossi secured sixth place with a total of 61 points, sharing this honor with his fellow drivers.
The top three competitors in the championship concluded the season with a significant advantage, finishing 36 points ahead of Rossi and his team. The champions amassed a total of 139 points, underscoring the competitive nature of the series. In the team standings, Team WRT’s #46 BMW also finished in sixth place, reflecting a solid performance throughout the season.
As Rossi wraps up his first WEC season, the experience gained will undoubtedly serve him well as he looks to improve in the future. The challenges faced in Bahrain and throughout the season will provide invaluable lessons as he continues to adapt to this new chapter of his racing career. Rossi’s journey in the WEC has been marked by determination and perseverance, and fans are eager to see how he will evolve in the upcoming seasons.