To honour his 46th birthday, M GmbH introduced a unique edition model. What drives this exceptional racer and how was his transition from two to four wheels like? An interview by BMW M Magazine. Here is an excerpt.
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?
"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".
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".