Seven-times MotoGP bike world champion Valentino Rossi mentioned he’ll return to the observe to compete in automotive racing within the GT World Problem Europe, becoming a member of Belgian outfit WRT.

Rossi, who known as time on an illustrious motorcycling profession spanning greater than twenty years in 2021, had beforehand spoken of a need to maneuver into automotive racing, and underwent a take a look at with WRT in Valencia in December.

The 42-year-old will drive an Audi R8 LMS within the endurance and dash classes, and can sport the quantity 46, the identical quantity he raced with in MotoGP.

“I’m delighted to affix Group WRT,” Rossi mentioned in a press release. “All people is aware of that I’ve all the time been a terrific automotive racing fan and that I’ve all the time been fascinated about racing on 4 wheels as soon as my MotoGP profession would come to an finish.

“Now I’m fully out there to dedicate myself to a automotive racing programme at a excessive stage and with the suitable skilled strategy.

“Group WRT is the proper match I used to be on the lookout for and I’m anxious to start out this new journey within the GTWCE with them.”

The 2022 GT World Problem Europe season begins in Imola, Spain on April 1.