Last week, Valentino Rossi fulfilled his dream of trying BMW M Hybrid V8 in the novice test . After the 2024 WEC season ended with the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the Italian put on his helmet and racing suit again the next day to get into the German brand’s car.
The day, in addition to being very fun for the man from Tavullia, It also provided a better understanding of what it meant to face the hybrid prototype. built on a Dallara chassis, with and help from technicians. However, before driving it, he had the opportunity to meet it in the Munich simulator, and the Germans published the video that told all the stages of this process to debut in another vehicle during its long career.
“I had fun in the simulator because you can understand the speed of the car, the trajectories, the braking points and how to change gears, it’s fun and sophisticated to learn, but at the same time it’s like I “I was playing!” he explained while in the cramped cockpit of the simulated BMW, before closing the door and starting the ride. “Wow, some simulators aren’t much fun, but this one is so much fun! The car is fast and always feels good.”
It was then time to get behind the wheel of the real car, the number 20 which had been on the track until the day before. Valentino Rossi sets the seventh fastest timejust over a second from Earl Bamberalready half a second behind its partner brand, Dries Vanthoorpreceded by more experienced pilots like Nicholas Nielsen, , who was an exception by also making his debut in the category, and Mike Conwayabout four seconds off the pole position time of Brendon Hartley.
“I had the opportunity to test the car throughout the day, with the team and René Rast giving me instructions and advice. I had a great time with a fantastic car, very fast and strong, full of power,” said the Italian with a big smile at the end of this brand new experience. “A real racing car.”
“It is a stable vehicle that gave me good indications, allowing me to push and understand its limits taking advantage of the excellent grip, which allows me to brake at the last moment. It has been a lot of fun, I have to thank those who gave me the opportunity to have this experience and I hope to have another one in the future,” he said.
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