BMW M Magazine: Hi Valentino, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Have you had the chance to take the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out for a ride yet; and if yes: what was it like?
Valentino Rossi: Yes, I got to test both cars and I was lucky to be able to test them on the track, in a real track, so I could test both cars to the fullest. The cars are really beautiful, the mix of the exterior design of the car and the power are fantastic. Also, both cars are taken care of in the smallest detail both outside and inside.
For those of our readers who are not as familiar with the matter: could you tell us the meaning of the number 46?
The number 46, which I have kept all these years on my motorcycle and now on my BMW M4 GT3, was handed down to me at first by my father, Graziano Rossi, a motorcycle racer in the 70s/80s, he used to race with the number 46. Then I was very fond of the Japanese drivers, and there was this Japanese driver who had done an incredible race as a wildcard at Suzuka in the wet and had the 46. In my entire motorcycle career, I have never changed my number, and today the number 46 represents me to a 100%.
We understand that the number 46 can be found all over your hometown of Tavullia; could you tell us what this is about?
Tavullia is my home, and I so enjoy drive down the road to get to the center of town and seeing flags with 46 hanging from every light pole. Then, when you get to the central square, there are 46s everywhere, in store windows, on the walls as well as there are so many tributes scattered throughout the town to celebrate my career. It's always a thrill to drive through the streets of Tavullia for me.
Did your 46th birthday mean something special to you? Did you have a special celebration?
Certainly the 46th birthday was a beautiful time to celebrate. We had a lunch with all my close friends, and it was a beautiful day. 46 years old is strange to say, but I still feel the same Valentino, with the desire to race this new season that is about to start in the WEC with my BMW M and the desire to be more and more competitive.
You’ve been a BMW M works driver since ’23 and your designated ride is a BMW M4 GT3 – how does the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 compare to your race car?
Clearly, my BMW M4 GT3 has a track setup so some things are different, but after testing the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 on the track I can say that I felt the same fun driving it as if I were at a race weekend. it's insane.
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 has two designs: What are the differences and how were you involved in the design process?
There are so many differences especially in the details, one is for elegant occasions, and the other for when you want to feel like an official race car driver. I like both cars so much I couldn't tell you which one I prefer.
I have been involved from the very beginning in the design of these two cars, both in terms of interior and exterior aesthetics. It was wonderful to customize cars based on my needs. We did a great job together.
How do the colours chosen for the models reflect your personal preferences? What do the designs mean to you?
The first thing you notice is the 46 on the sides of the cars, a really nice touch in my opinion, very reminiscent of my BMW M4 GT3. My favourite thing is the attention to detail, from the yellow of the rims to the neon yellow of the brake callipers. Also, the colours chosen for the body that go with the neon yellow represents me 100 percent. Together with BMW M, we could not have done better. The two cars are perfect.
What motivated you, one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, to dedicate yourself to professional GT racing?
I've always wanted to be a car driver; as a kid, even before I tried a motorcycle, I was already racing go-karts, so my passion for four wheels has always been there.
I had a beautiful career in motorcycles, many rivals, and above all I had the opportunity to race with many different bikes. It was a painful choice to retire from MotoGP™, but it was the right time for me to do it.
I knew inside of me, though, that my desire to race was still very strong, and that's why I decided to become a car racer. I am very satisfied with this choice and that I made it at the right time for me.
In your opinion, what is the main difference between motorcycle racing and the GT racing that you are currently doing with BMW M?
There are so many differences, MotoGP is a much more physical sport. Racing with cars is in some respects totally different from MotoGP™, but I also find so many common features as you always compete at the highest level. In MotoGP as well as in car racing, it’s important to have a strong team. But once you put on the helmet, whether they are motorcycles or cars, the adrenaline and feelings are always the same.
Do you have a favorite M model?
Definitely the BMW M5 E60 with the V10 engine. A historic car, and it's a M model that I still have in my garage.
Are there any motorsport highlights on your bucket list?
Winning the 24h of Le Mans!
Thank you so much for the interview, Valentino.
VALENTINO ROSSI – THE DOCTOR.
VALENTINO ROSSI – THE DOCTOR.
Valentino Rossi, born on 16 February, 1979, in Urbino, Italy, is a motorsport legend. Known as “Il Dottore” or “The Doctor”, he has collected numerous titles including nine world championships, seven of which he clinched in the premier class of MotoGP. Rossi made a name for himself with his distinctive driving style, his way of strategic thinking on the circuit, and his charismatic personality. His #46 is not only his trademark among his fans worldwide, but also an inspiration for aspiring racing riders. After two decades in the game, Rossi retired from the MotoGP. But not from racing. He changed seats and became a BMW works driver in 2023, racing the FIA WEC for BMW M Team WRT. He is also an avid sportsman beyond the racetrack and loves music and art.
