Valentino Rossi gears up for 2022: a Misano test with Ferrari

The car that appears on Rino Salucci’s Facebook page is blue, beautiful, low and streamlined, with aerodynamic skirts and a rear spoiler. The engine compartment bears the Prancing Horse, an unmistakeable Ferrari icon. And on the upper part of the windscreen, we can make out the word "Kessel".

Then, three Italian flags alongside three somewhat blurred but nevertheless recognisable surnames: V.Rossi, L.Marini, A.Salucci. The colour used for the letters is VR46 yellow. Yes, the clues all tell us that Valentino Rossi, Alberto Salucci and Luca Marini are indeed on track at Misano.

There appears to be a good reason behind what this preparatory test at the Marco Simoncelli circuit. As we know, once he retires from riding, the nine-time champion will dedicate himself to cars, competing in the Endurance championship, with the aim of running the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The latest 2022 preparations

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This is not the first time Valentino is driving Kessel Racing’s 488. He previously did so in Abu Dhabi and in Bahrain. So Rossi knows the secrets of the 488, a Ferrari vehicle that is closer to a prototype than to a production-derived model.

A four-wheeled Superbike, essentially. With the Bahrain 6 Hours scheduled for 20 November, might #46 be planning to take part? Without forgetting the Abu Dhabi 12 Hours on 8 January 2022, an endurance race in which the Italian legend has already competed.

Lucky Alberto Salucci and Luca Marini - in the motorsport sense – being able to climb aboard such a beauty is not something we all get to do, but don’t think that Valentino’s loyal friend and brother will just be rolling around the track. They’ve both shown that they know what they’re doing.

Translated by Heather Watson

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