Max Verstappen is set to embark on a new challenge in GT racing. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has confirmed he will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) season finale at Portimao, Portugal, this weekend. Adding to the excitement, Verstappen will share the track with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who races for Team WRT BMW.
This marks Verstappen's debut in the GTWCE after previously sampling the Nurburgring 24 Hours. His Team Verstappen outfit already competes in the series with Mercedes machinery, and now the Dutchman will take the wheel of the No.3 Mercedes himself.
The decision comes as the GTWCE finale clashes with the rescheduled penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Two of Team Verstappen's regular drivers, Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, are unavailable due to their WEC commitments. Gounon drives for Alpine, while Juncadella is part of the Genesis Magma Racing line-up. Consequently, Verstappen has elected to fill one of the vacant seats.
“Well, I know that two of my drivers won't be part of the line-up, so two other drivers need to step in, and I'm looking forward to it,” Verstappen said on Thursday. “It’s going to be a busy seven weeks, but I enjoy it anyway, so yeah, let's see what we can do there.”
Verstappen also addressed comments made by Fernando Alonso regarding his GT racing exploits, in which the Spaniard hinted at surprises but insisted they won't be competing together. “No, no, no, he's not driving with me! I don't know what he means with that, but no, from my side, it's all clear, we know what we want to do. Of course, I would have loved to see my normal drivers compete, but the calendar has changed at times, and that's okay. I mean, I love Portimao, I love being in Portugal, so we'll try and have a good weekend.”
Portimao holds fond memories for Verstappen, who has two F1 podiums at the circuit. Now he will test his skills in GT racing against specialists and, of course, Rossi, who has enjoyed a successful four-wheel career since retiring from MotoGP.
The Verstappen vs Rossi duel at Portimao is a tantalizing prospect. Both have massive fan bases and impressive racing pedigrees. Despite their different generations and disciplines, their meeting in GTWCE is a spectacle not to be missed.
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