The new project of Valentino Rossi knows no bounds. The new world motorcycle champion, who has triumphed with new facets of his career, aims to secure his permit to participate in the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) before the end of the 2026 season, thus advancing his aspiration to compete in the prestigious 24-hour race.
The BMW rider and his management team are looking for a slot in one of the remaining rounds of the NLS. A fundamental requirement is that Rossi must drive a vehicle from the German brand. In this regard, the new M2 Racing would be the ideal choice from BMW, as it offers a marketing opportunity for their new entry model expected in 2026.
The M2 Racing features a power of 308 horsepower with a four-cylinder B48 engine and a weight of 1,498 kilos, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of around 4.8 kg per horsepower. This qualification allows Rossi to compete with a lower-level permit, as the car class with a power-to-weight ratio below 4.2 kg per hp requires an A Permit.
Once obtained, the permit, officially known as DMSB Permit Nordschleife, will allow him to participate in the 2027 Nurburgring 24-hour race in a GT3 vehicle, provided he meets all the required entry criteria.
Simplified permit rules
Following the regulatory update that took place last winter, Rossi will only need to complete one race and eight laps in a NLS event or the 24h Qualifiers. He will also need to avoid any infringement during the competition. These new regulations have been well received by the Italian rider, who, during the 24 Hours of Spa, indicated that the Nordschleife is on his radar.
Regarding his possible participation in the classic Eifel race, Rossi stated: ‘Yes, because now it seems that the permit can be obtained in a single weekend. We are in talks with BMW to organize everything. The 24 Hours of Nurburgring are definitely on my wishlist.’
Key decisions for 2026
In addition to team selection, Rossi will need to manage the timing of his debut in Eifel. Currently, he is immersed in a campaign in the GT World Challenge Europe, participating in both Sprint and Endurance races. The upcoming NLS event, the 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal Race, on August 1, may be ruled out, as it overlaps with the GTWC Sprint race at Magny-Cours.
The weekend of September 12 and 13 presents itself as a possible scenario for his debut, with a double day of competitions, including the Reinoldus Endurance Race and the Barbarossa Prize. However, this same weekend also sees the Suzuka 1000km, a race that Rossi has dreamed of for years.
His participation in Japan is not decided, as BMW wants to first assess the championship standings. After his performance in the 24 Hours of Spa, Rossi is in ninth place with 23 points, while the championship leaders pull away with 68 points. Thus, despite Rossi’s personal desire to travel to Japan, BMW may decide to concentrate its efforts on the better-positioned drivers.
A promising future
Rossi, in his fifth season as a GT3 driver, continues to demonstrate impressive performance. Despite his categorization as a Silver driver, he regularly competes with big names in the competition. Following the significant appearance of Max Verstappen in previous editions, Rossi positions himself as one of the great stars of motorsport seeking his opportunity at the Nordschleife.
The eventuality of seeing both Rossi and Verstappen racing at the same time could represent a major advertising campaign for the race. Currently, his participation will depend on the Formula 1 championship schedules.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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