MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi and Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will face each other in the same race for the first time. The two names are set to meet on the same starting grid in Portugal this weekend. Nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe season finale with four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
The event to be held in Portimao between October 16-18 will witness the first time Rossi and Verstappen face each other in the same race.
Rossi's Preparation for the Race
Valentino Rossi, speaking to Sky Sport Italia, stated that competing against Verstappen would be a special experience for himself.
It will be unbelievable. Of course, there will be a big problem because he will definitely be very fast. But it will be a wonderful experience.
The Italian legend, who has signed races in the MotoGP, expressed that he never imagined racing against Verstappen on the same track during his career.
I had never imagined racing against Max Verstappen.
Rossi emphasized that the participation of the Dutch driver in the GT3 race is also important from an organizational perspective.
His presence here is wonderful for everyone. I hope to get a chance to follow him and see how he drives.
Verstappen's GT3 Challenge
Max Verstappen, competing for Red Bull in Formula 1, will use a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the Portimao race. The Dutch driver will share the car with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. Verstappen's first race in the GT World Challenge Europe will coincide with a busy Formula 1 schedule. The 28-year-old driver, who won the last two Formula 1 races, will have raced seven consecutive weekends in the Portimao weekend.
Verstappen expressed his pleasure in racing against Rossi for the first time on the same track.
Yes, I hope to see him. I want to chat with a really good person. But I don't hope to see him during the race. That is usually a good sign.
Verstappen said that his main goal is to leave his rivals behind.
Actually, I hope not to see anyone, just to do my job well in front. But you can never know what will happen. The grid is extremely competitive.
Verstappen stated that the GT3 races offer a very different kind of competition from Formula 1, but he enjoys the experience.
It is very different from Formula 1, but I love it. I experienced it for the first time in Nordschleife. The track in Portimao is very enjoyable to drive.
The Dutch driver said he aims to get the best possible result from the weekend.
I will try to get a good result. Of course, we will do everything in our power to get a good result as a team.
Rossi's experience and Verstappen's speed will make the Portimao GT3 season finale one of the most anticipated races. How the two world champions will perform on track will be known by the end of the weekend, October 16-18.
Figures
- Archive: Valentino Rossi Team Introduces Design for Indonesian Race (October 6, 2026)
Read the full story at the original source.
Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
