After a lengthy career on two wheels, Valentino Rossi is about to officially embark on his adventure as a racing driver. The Italian will line up for the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe, which will play out at the Imola circuit on 1-3 April.

A new life for Rossi and Pedrosa

But the Doctor won't be the only motorcycle legend to get behind the wheel of a car, as we’ll also see Daniel Pedrosa out on the Santerno track. The Spaniard will compete in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, the Bologna manufacturer’s single-brand series that will race at the same track as the GTWCE.

Same track, different championships then for two riders who have made history in the world championship and are now ready for battle once more, albeit at a distance and in different series.

An action-packed weekend

Pedrosa will share the team FFF Huracan ST Evo with Antonin Borga and be coached by Formula 1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi.

The Doctor is in for a longer and more intense challenge, competing with the Audi WRT team in all ten races of the GT World Challenge Europe. The Italian’s weekend will culminate with the 3 Hours of the GT World Challenge Europe, the Endurance Cup, which will take place on Sunday between 3pm and 6pm after morning qualifying (9-10 am). Saturday 2 April is dedicated to practice (9-10.30am) and Pre-Qualifying (2.05-3.35pm).

The Lamborghini Super Trofeo in which Pedrosa will compete will take to the track on Saturday 2 April, from 4.05 to 4.55pm for Race 1 and on Sunday 3 April, from 11.50am to 12.40pm, for Race 2.

Translated by Heather Watson

GT: the results of Valentino Rossi’s first test at Paul Ricard