Valentino Rossi could face Max Verstappen in one of motorsport’s greatest battles

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has not been able to shake his urge to race since his semi-retirement in 2021. Having spent 26 years at the top level of motorcycle racing, ‘The Doctor’ decided to trade in two wheels for four and has since tried his hand in the WRC, WEC and GT Challenge series.

Rossi is certainly no stranger to endurance racing. The nine-time motorcycle world champion achieved a runner-up spot at the 6 Hours of Imola twice and even raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans two times where he posted competitive qualifying times but was ultimately let down by mechanical issues. Since then, he has taken multiple race wins and podiums in the GT World Challenge Europe and is now keen to try his hand at the Nurburgring 24h.

This would mean that a potentially inter-generational battle between two icons of world motorsport could be set to hit one of the world’s most challenging tracks. However, before Rossi can go wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen at the Nordschleife, he first needs to obtain the necessary permit.

While the rules for obtaining the necessary permit have been reduced in recent years, it has still been a challenge for Rossi to find a spare weekend where he is able to partake in the required NLS event. Between his commitments as a GT driver and manager of the VR46 MotoGP team, Rossi has so far not had the time.

During a round table with GPblog, Rossi reaffirmed his aspiration to take part in the legendary race:

“Yes, because it now looks like you can get the permit done in a single weekend. We are in talks with BMW to organise everything. The Nurburgring 24 Hours is definitely on my bucket list. I hope we can make it happen with BMW.

Rossi would only need to complete eight laps in an NLS event of 24h qualifying session without any driving infractions in order to take part in the prestigious endurance challenge, so there is every chance we could see The Doctor going head to head with Verstappen in 2027.