Rossi to tackle GT World Challenge Europe series with WRT

©WRT

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi will embrace four-wheel racing with a campaign in the 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe series onboard an Audi R8 LMS fielded by front-running Belgian outfit WRT.

There was little doubt that Rossi wouldn't convert full-time to cars after his retirement at the end of last season from MotoGP.

The 42-year-old, who tested on multiple occasions with the Scuderia in the past and who was even offered an opportunity to switch to F1 by former president Luca di Montezemolo, enjoyed a test with WRT at Valencia last month that convinced both team and driver to work together this season

"I am delighted to join Team WRT for a full Fanatec GTWCE programme," said the nine-time MotoGP world champion on Thursday.

"Everybody knows that I have always been a great car racing fan and that I have always been interested in racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career would come to an end.

©WRT

"Now I am completely available to devote myself to a car racing programme at high level and with the right professional approach.

"Team WRT is the perfect fit I was looking for and I am anxious to start this new adventure in the GTWCE with them."

Read also: 'It would be fantastic to race with Lando,' says Valentino Rossi

Rossi's Audi R8 LMS will sport the Italian's emblematic #46, while his Audi Sport teammates will be named in due course by WRT.

"I am sure that a lot of fans will be as pleased as we are that Vale is starting a new career on four wheels and that he is doing it in GT, with Team WRT and Audi," said WRT team boss Vincent Vosse.

"We all know what a great motorbike champion and sports figure Vale is, but most of all, he is a true racer and a very professional and competitive sportsman, eager to be as successful as possible in the new challenge he has decided to embrace.

"This is exactly why we really wanted to work with him.

"The test we made at Valencia was extremely positive for both parties, in terms of technical feedback and working approach, and we took things from there."

The 10-round Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe will kick off at Imola on April 3 and conclude in early October at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.