The 24 Hours of Le Mans has got off on the right foot for Valentino Rossi. In qualifying, the #46 BMW M4 came out on top with the best time, set as per regulations by Bronze driver Ahmad Al Harthy (completing the Doctor's crew is Kelvin van der Linde). This evening, the two Hyperpole sessions will be held: at 8 p.m. the first and at 8:35 p.m. the second, where the best 8 crews will compete for pole position.
Last year Valentino's 24-hour race lasted only a handful of hours, and this time he has every intention of fighting for the podium.
"Le Mans is always special, it's a different weekend from all the others," Rossi said, "It's nice to drive here because the track is different and with the GT3s it's a lot of fun. We did some testing and it went well, we worked for the race and we were able to test ourselves in different conditions because it was very hot yesterday and when the temperatures are high the feelings behind the wheel change. Then I was able to drive at night, on the one hand it's better because in cool weather you can go faster, but on the other hand there are two or three very fast points where it's really dark. I want to do a few more laps in the dark, because in some parts you have to change your reference points."
You got off to a good start.
"Yesterday was a wonderful day, Hamad did a fantastic job. We knew we could be in the top 12, but it's never easy to get there and it's great to have finished in first place. We were also lucky with the red flag that prevented some crews from finishing their laps."
The work is just beginning.
"Today will be another important day, with a long practice session where we will do some tests, like fuel consumption for the race. Then there will be the two qualifying sessions. It's a 24-hour race, the position on the grid is not crucial, but when you start at the front it's all easier. We hope to be ready and competitive for the race. Last year we were unlucky, but at the time of the accident we were fast, we could have aimed for the podium. We hope to do it this time."
What do you think of the qualifying format?
"I like the Hyperpole, you have the pressure of having to make a fast lap, but it is an important experience to be able to be strong on the one lap."
How have you found your BMW?
"The car is not bad, I think we have improved it from last year. The team has been working and we have improved both the electronics and the stability, you can push more and the feeling is good. But until the race it's hard to understand the level compared to the opponents. It seems that Ferrari and Porsche are very strong."
Can you aim high?
"It is too early to say, but last year we were competitive. However, it looks like it will be a different race, because in 2024 the weather was bad, while now the forecast is better. I'm confident."
Do you already know the rosters for the race?
"We haven't decided yet. First of all we hope to make it to the end, and if we do it will be very tiring, because I will have to drive more or less for 9 hours. I don't know at what times yet."
How are you living this experience in WEC compared to when you were racing in MotoGP?
"I am living this experience in a better way. I'm really enjoying driving the cars and working with the team, I'm happy to race in an iconic race like Le Mans, but compared to MotoGP I feel much less pressure. MotoGP for me was the reason for my life and sometimes it was difficult to handle the pressure. Here I can say that I have more fun."
Less stress?
"I feel less pressure, but my commitment is always to the maximum because I always want to improve as a driver. It's a bit harder to succeed than when I was racing motorcycles because I'm older (laughs), but I can do it. Also, I have always had great drivers as crewmates, from Martin to Marciello to Farfus. In motorcycles you never share your bike, here it's different and I like it."
How do you feel about this circuit in cars?
"This track has been a big surprise ever since I first raced here in 2023. I knew it very well, but in the simulator it is a boring circuit with the long straights. Driving it for real, on the other hand, I really like it. First of all because the speeds are always very high and that gives you a lot of adrenaline, you're always over 250 mph. Then, all the corners are very interesting: the first part is very technical and the last one is beautiful with the cars."
And what was it like in MotoGP?
"I also liked it in motorcycles because there is always a lot of grip and Yamaha has always done well here. Also it's a beautiful weekend in MotoGP as well, it's always a pleasure to race here."
Where would you rather win, Le Mans or Spa-Francorchamps?
"I want to win here. Spa is also beautiful, it's hard to decide. Le Mans is Le Mans, though."
At Spa you will share the cockpit with Kevin Magnussen.
"If you had told me five years ago that I would be driving in the same car with a Formula 1 driver, I would have said that was not possible. We have already tested and had fun. Then René Rast will also be there, I will be able to learn a lot from them."