Rossi will compete in the Fanatec GT World Challenge, and yes, he will be donning the iconic #46

Valentino Rossi will return to racing. No, not that one. The nine-time world champion will get behind the wheel of an Audi, and compete in the Fanatec GT World Challenge. It’s only recently that the 42-year-old racer hung up his leathers after the 2021 MotoGP championship.

The Italian ace had a successful test with Team WRT at Valencia in December. Following this, he has now finalised an agreement which will see him competing in the 10-round Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe with the Belgian squad.

Additionally, Rossi will also compete in the Endurance Cup and the Sprint Cup alongside official Audi Sport drivers. While the latter includes a race at Misano, the former will take place at Imola, along with his debut at the 24 Hours of Spa. And yes, of course, he’ll be donning the famous No. 46

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been following the Italian’s career closely. The ex-MotoGP rider has always shown keen interest in switching from two-wheel to four-wheel racing, saying “everybody knows that I have always been a great car racing fan and that I have always been interested in racing on four wheels once my MotoGP career would come to an end.”

About the team, the Audi squad has won over 28 team and driver titles since 2011 and in various events. The Belgian outfit, which Rossi would be a part of, is said to be a strong contender for victory at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.