Valentino Rossi will not compete in the upcoming Nurburgring Langstrecken‑Serie double‑header, the WRT team confirmed before the race.
Calendar clashes push Rossi out of Nordschleife plans
The 49‑year‑old Italian legend was scheduled to tackle a mandatory DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) run next weekend in a BMW M2 Racing, following Max Verstappen’s 2023 example. Preparations had been proceeding, with the date set for September 24‑25, to coincide with the NLS edition that would have seen Rossi alongside other high‑profile drivers.
However, the timetable collided directly with MotoGP’s Misano round, where Rossi returns as team owner of the premier class. Vincent Vosse, WRT principal, stated that “the local MotoGP event is a key part of Val’s agenda,” forcing a switch in priorities.
Rossi’s calendar constraints were cited by BMW Motorsport in a joint statement, noting that “discussion did take place but ultimately the schedule did not allow the permit process to proceed.” The result: Rossi will not be on the Nordschleife for either the double‑header or the NLS finale in October.
Disputes and hospitality hurdles ruled out
Rumours of friction between WRT and the SRO Motorsports Group surfaced after the decision, but Vosse denied any conflict. “I never had a problem with SRO,” he told Motorsport.com Italy. He further clarified that BoP concerns at the Bathurst and Spa rounds were the only points of contention.
During the Nurburgring GT World Challenge event, the team faced a sudden hospitality closure when local authorities halted the WRT unit after two days of operation. The outfit moved into the paddock lounge successfully – a procedural glitch that the team confirmed had no impact on Rossi’s schedule.
Future plans on the radar
Valentino Rossi remains poised to acquire a permit for the Nordschleife in 2027, contingent upon gaining sufficient track time in the BMW M4 GT3 Evo. However, the tight schedule surrounding the upcoming rounds would complicate this possibility.
Vosse added that the next season’s program would be “discussed” and is “currently ongoing.” He assured fans that Rossi’s presence on the grid would match or exceed current levels, albeit at a different time frame.
Rossi’s broader racing focus
Beyond the DPN, Rossi’s GT commitments include the GT World Challenge Europe round at Zandvoort, where he is slated to race. The diversion from the Nordschleife was described as a logistical balancing act, aligning high‑profile events with a hectic driving calendar.
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