In 2022, Valentino Rossi revealed to MD that his purpose was “race the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024”. And more on this later. The 9-time world champion in the overall categories of the motorcycle world championship and, without a doubt, one of the best drivers in history, was like a debutant again this weekend when he made his debut at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in GT3 category at the wheel of an impressive BMW M4 LMGT3 with Team WRT, a team with which it has partnered since 2022 to prepare its training and development on four wheels in endurance racing, first through the GT World Challenge Europe, with a goal from Le Mans, where he wants to continue expanding his legend and his record.
At 45 years old, he could be just at the start of a long career behind the wheel, where after debuting in GT3 at Le Mans, he could either continue in this category or try to move up the classes in the future. Today, despite the farewell to MotoGP in 2021, the figure of Valentino Rossi continues to raise passions among fans around the world. And beyond Le Mans, a town with a great love for two wheels and motorcycling.
Valentino is possibly one of the athletes with the most media attention in history and with the greatest charisma. And it became clear again to 24 Hours of Le Mans this Wednesday. He was the most sought after driver by the fans at the drivers’ autograph signing session and caused so many crowds that he intimidated his teammates and even made him the boss of the team. WRT, Vincent Vossehad to launch a statement requesting more security for Valentino Rossi due to the concern generated by what happened regarding the parade of pilots that will take place this Friday afternoon in the middle of Le Manswhere people can see Rossi from a few meters away they can be enormous.
“We hope that the organizers have paid attention to what happened at the autograph session yesterday, and taken steps to ensure the safety of all those involved in the drivers’ parade on Friday,” expressed in said statement, calling attention to the organization of the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest).
For his part, Rossi’s teammate, Ahmad Al Harthy, said in statements to ‘Motorsport.com’ that he had “never seen anything like it” and that at said autograph signing session “There comes a time when it’s a little uncomfortable.”
“You see great actors and singers perform, and you see what it feels like when the audience starts to push. And I never thought I’d see it right under my nose”he finished.
The full statement from the team:
“The attention Valentino gets is crazy, obviously, and we’ve seen that in the last three years. And it hasn’t decreased in the last three years. That means there are obligations in terms of organization before every event, and before the every activity, our approach, from the moment everything is planned and organized in advance, is that the extra attention, the madness, does not affect the way the team operates.
“Valentino always makes extra time for his fans. Even without autograph sessions scheduled he manages to spend time with his fans, and he does it every day at the circuits we’ve been to last three years.Every show goes well because of planning and organization.
“As a team, we have two priorities: safety and trying to please as many fans as possible. If you are Activities are organized precisely, we can please more people and do it safely. “We hope the organizers have taken note of what happened at yesterday’s autograph session, and taken steps to ensure the safety of all those involved in the drivers’ parade on Friday.”
Reply from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest:
“The safety of the drivers on and off the track is a priority for the ACO. The organizers have positioned several security officers in the pitlane and no potential danger has been reported before and during the autograph session.”
“Our discipline is growing in popularity, and the enthusiasm generated by the 24 Hours of Le Mans and its famous drivers is great. “We are taking the feedback into account and will take action to ensure drivers are more comfortable in next year’s session.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
