Valentino Rossi Returns to FIA WEC 2025 with BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO
Nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi will continue his FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) journey in 2025, as Team WRT confirmed the Italian legend for a second season at the wheel of the BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO.
Rossi’s debut year in the LMGT3 category saw strong performances, including a podium finish at Imola, a starring role in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and another rostrum at Fuji, ultimately securing sixth place in the championship standings.
New Team-Mates for 2025
With Maxime Martin departing, Rossi and long-term partner Ahmad Al Harthy will be joined by Kelvin van der Linde in the #46 entry. Van der Linde, newly appointed as a BMW M works driver, makes the move from Akkodis ASP and brings additional endurance racing pedigree to the line-up.
In the sister #31 BMW, Timur Boguslavskiy (ex-Lexus) and Yasser Shahin (ex-Manthey EMA) will join Augusto Farfus. Shahin enters the season fresh from a Le Mans class victory and Bathurst 12 Hour triumph, while Boguslavskiy is a multiple GT World Challenge Europe champion.
BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO Targets Success
The upgraded BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO debuted with victory at the 24H Dubai, underlining BMW’s ambitions for FIA WEC 2025. The car incorporates refinements in aerodynamics and performance, aiming to strengthen BMW’s GT3 customer racing program alongside its Hypercar efforts.
BMW M Motorsport boss Andreas Roos praised Team WRT’s ability to secure “some of the best Silver and Bronze drivers,” while Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing, emphasized the determination to achieve immediate success with the EVO model on the world stage.
Rossi Eyes the Le Mans Podium
Rossi expressed enthusiasm for his return:
“I’m very happy to continue in FIA WEC. Last year was a strong debut season, and we want to be stronger and faster. Le Mans is, of course, the most important race — we were unlucky last year, but we will fight for the podium in 2025.”
With Valentino Rossi returning alongside a refreshed Team WRT line-up and the debut of the BMW M4 LMGT3 EVO, BMW’s 2025 FIA WEC campaign promises to be one of its most competitive yet. The combination of Rossi’s star power, proven endurance talent, and BMW’s upgraded machinery sets the stage for another thrilling season.
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