The rumors are true—Valentino Rossi is coming to the Indy 8 Hour.
The Doctor has an appointment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the nine-time MotoGP World Champion preparing to make his debut in the event, joining BMW and Team WRT in one of their two factory-supported entries. Rossi will race with his iconic No. 46 on the side of the BMW M4 GT3, partnering with Intercontinental GT Challenge championship leader Kelvin van der Linde and reigning IGTC champion Charles Weerts.
It’s a blockbuster lineup worthy of the Brickyard. Van der Linde, a double Nürburgring 24 Hours winner, and Weerts, who captured the IGTC title at Indianapolis just one year ago, bring proven pedigree to the table. With Rossi added to the mix, the team has quickly become one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2025 Indy 8 Hour.
For Rossi, the event marks another milestone in his evolving career on four wheels. After 26 seasons in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, where he amassed 115 victories, 235 podiums, and 65 pole positions, the Italian legend made the switch to GT racing in 2022 with Team WRT. Since then, he has steadily added to his résumé in sportscar racing, taking landmark victories at the Misano World Circuit in both 2023 and 2024 in GT World Challenge Europe.
In 2025, Rossi has already made headlines across the globe, competing in the Intercontinental GT Challenge with Raffaele Marciello and Weerts. Earlier this year, he celebrated a podium at the Bathurst 12 Hour, finishing second in the Pro category, scoring his best result to date at Mount Panorama. He also continued his run of success in GT World Challenge Europe, teaming up with Kevin Magnussen and Rene Rast in the Endurance Cup, and pairing with Marciello in the Sprint Cup to take victory at Misano once again.
But Indianapolis carries a special meaning for Rossi. He raced numerous times at the Brickyard during his illustrious MotoGP career, winning there on debut back in 2008. Nearly two decades later, he is making his return, this time on four wheels. Eager to add another chapter to his history, he is ready to embark on a new journey around the Speedway in hopes of returning to victory lane and giving the yard of bricks another kiss.
With Rossi, van der Linde, and Weerts sharing the No. 46 BMW, the combination of star power and exceptional talent makes this one of the must-watch entries in the field. In case it needed to be further stated, the Indy 8 Hour just got even bigger.
To watch Valentino Rossi and Team WRT in action from October 16th to 18th, buy your Indy 8 Hour tickets now!