Valentino Rossi's Stellar Debut at Le Mans: A Race to Remember
Valentino Rossi, the nine-time motorcycle world champion, made his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, driving the #46 BMW M4 GT3 for Team WRT in the LMGT3 category. Rossi shared driving duties with teammates Maxime Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy.
The team qualified 12th in the LMGT3 class.
During the initial stages of the race, Rossi showcased impressive performance, propelling the #46 car to the front of the LMGT3 field. After completing his first stint, Rossi handed over the car to Al Harthy while leading the class by over a minute. Unfortunately, during Al Harthy's stint, he lost control of the car between the Dunlop Chicane and Tertre Rouge, resulting in a spin and subsequent collision with the barriers. The damage sustained was significant, forcing the team to retire from the race.
Despite the premature end to their race, Rossi's debut at Le Mans demonstrated his adaptability and competitiveness in endurance racing. His initial performance provided a promising glimpse into his potential in future endurance events.
