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World motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi is strengthening his desire to participate in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race by securing the necessary Nordschleife permit before completing the 2026 season. The team selection for the rider plans for him to use the BMW M2 Racing, and critical details regarding this vehicle's technical specifications and licensing requirements are drawing attention.
According to information obtained by Motorsport.com, Valentino Rossi aims to get one step closer to participating in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race by obtaining the necessary Nordschleife permit for the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) before the 2026 season ends. The reason for the rider adopting this strategy is finding a suitable gap among the remaining NLS races of the season. The most critical condition for this plan is the Italian rider competing with the BMW. From a marketing perspective, the entry-level race car BMW M2 Racing, which will be introduced in 2026 by the Munich-based manufacturer, is stated to be the ideal option.
Technical Details and Licensing Requirements
The technical specifications of the BMW M2 Racing include important details regarding race regulations. This vehicle features a four-cylinder engine coded B48, producing 308 horsepower, while its weight is set at 1,498 kilograms. According to these figures, it is understood that the car has a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 4.8 kilograms per horsepower. The licensing requirements show that there is a limit set above 4.2 kilograms per horsepower. Because the BMW M2 Racing has a lower ratio than this, it can be used with the "Nordschleife driver qualification" that is mandatory in addition to the standard racing license. If the rider successfully obtains this permit, he will gain the right to compete in a GT3 car at the 2027 Nürburgring 24 Hours, provided he fulfills the other participation conditions. Furthermore, with the simplification of winter licensing rules, Rossi must now complete only one NLS race and complete eight laps at the end of the race weekend. Not making any driving violations during the race is also a mandatory condition.
Schedule Conflicts and Strategic Decisions
In addition to the rider's car selection, the timing of the first race in the Eifel remains uncertain. The Italian rider is competing in Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup races within the GT World Challenge Europe this season. Potential scheduling conflicts affect strategic decisions. For example, the 6 Hours ADAC Ruhr-Pokal Race, which takes place on August 1st, is excluded from options because it conflicts with the GTWC Sprint Cup at Magny-Cours on the same weekend.
A second scheduling conflict has not yet been finalized. The NLS will host a doubleheader weekend consisting of two races—the Reinoldus Endurance Race and the Barbarossa Prize race—scheduled for September 12-13, both lasting four hours each. However, the Suzuka 1000 km race under the Intercontinental GT Challenge will also be held on the same weekend. Although Rossi has long desired to race at Suzuka, he is willing to start in this event. Whether he will race in Japan is still undecided; the federation has stated that it must support the pilots in the best position for BMW’s championship contenders (Max Hesse and Dan Harper). Therefore, Rossi may have to postpone his dream of racing at Suzuka for another year.
Focus on Endurance Races
Rossi continues to demonstrate impressive performances during his fifth season in the GT3 career. Despite participating in the FIA Silver driver category, he competes at the highest level against professional drivers holding Gold and Platinum ratings. After two seasons in the World Endurance Championship, the Italian rider has returned full-time to the GT World Challenge Europe in 2026. Freed from the demanding WEC schedule, this experienced rider can now focus more on prestigious endurance races. Although Max Verstappen has expressed his desire to race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in the future, whether this happens will depend on the Formula 1 calendar. The doubleheader weekend in September offers a second chance on Sunday, especially if unfavorable weather conditions affect the Nordschleife, making it a viable option.
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