GT: the results of Valentino Rossi’s first test at Paul Ricard

Valentino Rossi has completed his first official tests ahead of the GT World Challenge Europe that will kick off in less than a month. The Italian was out at the Paul Ricard circuit with team-mates Nico Müller and Frédéric Vervisch, who will share the driving of the WRT team’s Audi R8 this season.

Rossi at the wheel on day two

---

The tests ran over two days, on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 March. Rossi was not on track on day one, although he was on hand to present the car’s livery, while on day two he clocked up some more miles in the German car.

The #46 Audi rounded out the first session of the day in 22nd place, with a time of 1:54.331 and 82 laps completed. The best time was set by the Al Manar Racing by HRT team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 (1:52.533).

In the afternoon, Rossi & Co improved on both their position and their time, placing 18th thanks to a 1:53.960 (53 laps). The best reference was achieved by the Audi R8 LMS GT3 of French team Sainteloc Racing (1:52.971).

The Doctor’s first official engagement is scheduled for the weekend of 1-3 April, when the Imola track will host the 2022 GTWC Europe season opener.

Translated by Heather Watson

Rossi in the pink - Valentino and Francesca’s daughter has arrived