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Nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi is actively pursuing a license for the Nürburgring Nordschleife, aiming to compete in the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours race, where Max Verstappen made his debut this year.
Rossi and his management team are exploring opportunities to participate in one of the remaining NLS championship rounds this season. This means he needs to meet the participation requirements in the coming weeks, with a key condition being to race a BMW car.
From a marketing perspective, the new M2 Racing would be an ideal choice for the Munich-based manufacturer, providing an excellent advertising platform for its entry-level model.
Once he obtains the license, Rossi will be eligible to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027 with a GT3 class car, provided he meets all other requirements. The absence of this specific license previously prevented "The Doctor" from entering the race.
The rules for obtaining the permit were simplified last winter, and Rossi reacted positively to the changes. In a conversation during the Spa 24 Hours, he clearly stated that the classic Eifel Mountains race is now among his primary goals.
"Yes, because it seems you can now get the license in one weekend," he stated, as quoted by motorsport.com. "We are talking with BMW to organize everything. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is definitely on my list of goals. I hope we can make it happen with BMW."
However, his schedule remains a significant hurdle. This year, Rossi is competing in a full program of the GT World Challenge Europe championship, which includes 10 race weekends, participating in both sprint and endurance races.
The NLS calendar, the championship based on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, features a double-header in September, which could be Rossi's best opportunity. However, these races clash with the Suzuka 1000km, one of the biggest events in the global GT World Challenge calendar, and Rossi also wants to compete in Japan.
If the Suzuka commitment forces Rossi to miss the September races, the final NLS season round on October 10 remains a possible backup plan, although it carries the risk of harsher autumn weather conditions.
Rossi is the second global superstar to set his sights on the Nürburgring classic, following Max Verstappen's debut in the race in May. Max has already expressed his desire to compete again, but this will depend on next year's Formula 1 calendar.
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