Valentino Rossi fires up the engines again: the 2026 season begins at Paul Ricard

The return to the track of the “Doctor”

The roar of the engines is back in the spotlight and, with it, one of the most iconic names in world motorsport. Valentino Rossi is ready to throw himself back into the fray in the GT World Challenge Europe 2026, with the opening round of the season scheduled at the Paul Ricard circuit.

The images released show all the concentration of the “Doctor”: in the pits, wearing the BMW Motorsport suit and with the balaclava already on, the look is the same as ever — determined, focused, ready for the challenge.

The work in testing: encouraging signs

A day and a half to rediscover the feeling

The French weekend comes after an intense testing session, lasting about a day and a half. Rossi was able to get back in tune with the car and work closely with Team WRT to optimise setup and pace.

Positive feelings on the eve of the race

The first indications are encouraging: the driver's feedback points to positive sensations and progressive growth in race pace. An important sign ahead of a long and highly competitive championship.

A complex challenge in the GT World Challenge Europe

A championship of the highest level

The GT World Challenge Europe is one of the most demanding competitions in the GT scene, with grids packed with endurance and sprint specialists. Every detail can make the difference.

Experience and the team as strengths

Rossi continues his adaptation to GT cars, but can count on an increasingly solid wealth of experience and on a team, Team WRT, among the most competitive in the category.

The fans' anticipation and the season debut

The excitement around number 46 remains sky-high. The fans are ready to follow him in this new four-wheeled adventure too, with the same passion that accompanied his legendary career.

The debut at Paul Ricard will be the first real test to understand Rossi's ambitions in 2026.

When Rossi races, the spectacle is guaranteed

One thing remains certain: when Valentino Rossi goes out on track, the spectacle never fails.DEVELOPER MODE