Motorsport Icon Valentino Rossi Announces Plans to Scale Back Racing Commitments After 2024
Valentino Rossi, the legendary MotoGP champion and motorsport icon, has revealed his intentions to reduce his racing commitments after the 2024 season. At 45 years old, Rossi is reconsidering his future in racing, citing personal reasons and the upcoming arrival of his second child as significant factors influencing his decision.
Rossi, who has been competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) for BMW, admitted that the intense schedule of 16 races in 2024 has become overwhelming. In a candid conversation with the media, the Italian veteran expressed how the extensive travel and demands of the sport have affected both his personal life and his endurance.
Rossi Reflects on His Racing Future
“I realized that 16 races is too many, and I am in the same situation as in MotoGP,” Rossi shared. “I’m tired, and my partner Francesca gets angry because I am always on the road.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Rossi revealed that he plans to reduce his race calendar to 10 or 11 events. However, he faces a key decision—whether to continue competing in WEC or focus on GTWCE. “One is a world championship, so winning the title has special prestige, but in the Stephane Ratel Organisation races [GTWCE], the racing is really good with only GT3 cars,” Rossi explained.
Team boss Vincent Vosse confirmed Rossi’s considerations, stating: “Vale wants to reduce his number of races, and the only way to do that is to do just one championship. It’s something that is up in the air and really isn’t clear at the moment.”
Rossi’s Legendary Career
Valentino Rossi’s career in MotoGP is nothing short of legendary. The Italian rider clinched nine World Championships, seven of them in the premier 500cc/MotoGP class, where his dominance in the 2000s remains unmatched. He secured titles with both Honda and Yamaha, amassing 89 premier-class victories, 199 podium finishes, and 372 race starts. His presence in MotoGP defined an era of excellence and innovation on the track.
After retiring from MotoGP in 2021, Rossi transitioned into four-wheel racing, continuing his passion for motorsport in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He also oversees the VR46 Racing Team, which competes in MotoGP, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
As Rossi looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, his fans and the racing world will watch closely to see how he balances his future commitments between the WEC and GTWCE. Regardless of his decision, his impact on motorsport remains indelible.
