Latest news with #ValentinoRossi
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Marquez's comeback from 'nightmare' to contender
Marc Marquez is a 2025 MotoGP title words would have been unthinkable to the eight-time world champion two seasons ago when he was living a "nightmare" after suffering broken bones, and severe concussion, and needing a number of six-time MotoGP champion had not won a race for nearly 1,000 days - something that would have seemed impossible as he won four consecutive championships from 2016 to 2019."Two years ago I was maybe in the deepest moment of my career because in 2020 it started - the nightmare," the 32-year-old told BBC Sport."I didn't know what [the future] would be, but I had some difficult decisions [to make] - risky decisions."In 2023 the Spaniard told BBC Sport he was not "ready to win again". At the end of that season he left Honda - a team he was at for 11 years - and joined Gresini Racing, the satellite Ducati team."Honda were my friends and with a very good salary - I said no to all those things, just prove to myself if I was able to be fast," he leading the championship standings and racing for the factory Ducati team, he has his proof. How has he got to the point where a ninth world title - to equal fellow great Valentino Rossi - is within reach? Crashes to comeback Some fans are hailing Marquez's return to title-contending form as a comeback for the ages. It is not hard to see winning his most recent MotoGP title in 2019, Marquez has suffered a string of injuries. He broke his arm at the start of the 2020 season, which over the course of two years required four 2021 a motocross crash resulted in severe following year, double vision meant he had to miss many races, and in 2023 he broke his ankle, ribs and him, his comeback is complete - regardless of whether he wins the title."The most difficult challenge of my career... I have already achieved that - coming back from a lot of injuries. I broke many, many things just trying to improve my skills," he a solid 2024, when he claimed three feature race wins and two pole positions, he joined the factory Ducati team on a two-year contract. "The first goal was to rebuild my confidence," he said. "And rebuild the confidence means step by step to try to put in targets that you can achieve."You cannot arrive at a victory straight away. First of all you need to understand the bike, then try to finish in the top five, then a podium and then step by step fight for a victory." The need to 'adapt' and 'calculate risk' Marquez has had to change his approach to stay competitive. Once a trend setter, he is now the one having to adapt. "When I arrived in MotoGP I was fighting against big names - Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi. The main difference when I arrived in MotoGP to now is that now I am fighting against the younger talents that arrive from Moto2 and they are super competitive," he said."I introduced the elbow and a new riding style and now when the younger riders arrive, they introduce another thing so I need to adapt."He has also become more aware of safety."I think more about the safety and I try to calculate more the risks - at one of the strongest and weakest points of my career it was difficult to see the risk," said Marquez, who remains the youngest MotoGP champion of all time."Ten years ago, I was like 'my body is just for riding a bike, I don't care - I am fit and I will recover', but now I understand that recovering from some injuries are super difficult." 'My mum is supporting my brother more' The last time Marquez was fighting for the title - in 2019 - his rivals were legends in the sport in Rossi and Lorenzo, who have a combined 14 world year the challenger is much closer to home, with his younger brother Alex sitting second behind him in the Marquez leads the MotoGP standings on 196 points and has a 24-point advantage over his brother with 15 races their mother has split loyalties."We are living a dream," said Marquez, whose 29-year-old brother competes for Gresini Ducati. "We are first and second in the championship together."My mum is supporting more Alex, but always joking because she says to us, 'you have enough, let him win'. "Now we are super tight because we know I can help him and he can help me. And we want the best for each other." Magic number nine Who is better - Rossi or Marc Marquez? It is the debate that continues to rage on between motorsport terms of titles in the premier class, Rossi, who retired in 2021 has seven, with nine world titles in total. Marquez has six in MotoGP - and a title in both the 125cc and Moto2 Championship, bringing his total to has 89 MotoGP race wins with Marquez on 62 before the start of the 2025 that ninth world title remains a goal for Marquez."Of course nine is a number that I would like to achieve because it is the next number in my career and we will try," he said. "And it is true it would equal Valentino Rossi in championships."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Valentino Rossi opens his Memory Box: The Ultimate Collection for his fans
Valentino Rossi, nine-time world champion, cultural icon, and undisputed MotoGP legend, is to open a new chapter in his illustrious career. The Italian, who retired from racing in MotoGP in 2021 and is now competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, will soon launch his first-ever official memorabilia and collectibles collection, offering fans the chance to own exclusive pieces from both his time on two wheels and his current adventures in motorsport. Advertisement The memorabilia collection will be available exclusively at from today and will feature some of the most legendary items for collectors. Promising to cater to every type of fan and budget, the first selection of items will be released in three different stages, coinciding with the launch of the three categories: Authentics, Replica, and Collectables. The Authentics collection will feature a selection of original items used by Rossi throughout his career, including gloves, boots, and helmets to parts from the machines he raced on, but also celebrative and special pieces. Each piece carries its own story and is personally signed by The Doctor himself. Among the highlights of the first release are the four wheels from the car Rossi drove to victory at the GT World Challenge Europe in Misano in 2024 and the iconic cap he wore during his emotional farewell to MotoGP at the Valencia Grand Prix in 2021. Advertisement A week later, a second wave of items will be released from the Replica line — ideal for fans looking for something more accessible. This range will feature VR46 merchandise, including T-shirts and caps, all bearing Rossi's signature. Also included in this second launch are a 1:1 Bell replica helmet worn by Rossi in 2022 and a commemorative framed T-shirt from his 1997 world title season. Completing the line-up is the Collectables category, a dedicated range for collectors. This includes miniatures of Rossi's most iconic bikes, 1:2 scale helmets, and carefully crafted memorabilia connected to his career. Each item is signed and produced with meticulous attention to detail, making them perfect for display in any motorsport enthusiast's personal gallery. Looking ahead, Rossi also plans to auction off some of his most iconic and meaningful items, offering collectors the opportunity to secure truly historic pieces from a career that defined an era. A living legend Rossi's path to greatness began in 1997 when he secured his first 125cc world championship. From there, he quickly climbed the ranks, dominating 250cc before conquering MotoGP, where he became one of the sport's most recognizable and beloved figures. With nine world championships, 115 grand prix victories, and 235 podium finishes, his achievements remain unmatched. Advertisement Throughout his career, Rossi faced fierce rivalries with names like Max Biaggi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, and Marc Marquez, delivering unforgettable battles and dramatic showdowns. From his breathtaking last-corner win at Assen in 2015 to his final MotoGP victory in Valencia in 2017, Rossi consistently produced moments that left a lasting mark on the sport's history. This new memorabilia collection stands as a celebration of that legacy — a way for fans to own a genuine piece of racing history from one of motorsport's most unforgettable characters. To read more articles visit our website.
Geeky Gadgets
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
BMW M4 CS VR46: Where M Performance Meets Rossi's Legacy
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a limited-edition masterpiece that pays homage to Valentino Rossi, the legendary nine-time motorcycle world champion. Designed in collaboration with Rossi himself, this exclusive model is limited to just 92 units, split evenly between two unique design variants: 'Sport' and 'Style.' Each car is a testament to Rossi's iconic legacy, featuring his signature number '46' and a blend of innovative engineering with bespoke craftsmanship. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 serves as a tangible representation of Rossi's incredible achievements and his enduring impact on the world of motorsports. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is more than just a car; it's a celebration of Rossi's illustrious career and his transition from two wheels to four. With its striking design, high-performance engineering, and exclusive features, this model is a dream come true for motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike. The collaboration between BMW M and Valentino Rossi showcases the shared passion for innovation, precision, and performance that defines both the automotive brand and the legendary rider. Tailored Design and Unmatched Craftsmanship The 'Sport' variant of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 dazzles with a Marina Bay Blue metallic finish, complemented by Tanzanite Blue metallic '46' graphics and bright yellow accents on the grille, brake calipers, and wheels. Meanwhile, the 'Style' variant features a matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic body with Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic '46' graphics. Both variants feature a carbon-fiber roof adorned with Rossi's signature and the VR46 logo, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. The contrasting colors and bold graphics create a striking visual impact, reflecting Rossi's dynamic personality and his iconic status in the world of motorsports. Inside, the cabin is equally impressive, with Night Blue upholstery accented by yellow stitching and Sao Paulo Yellow highlights on the M Carbon bucket seats. The steering wheel features a yellow center marker, while the carbon-fiber center console proudly displays a '1/46' badge, emphasizing the car's exclusivity. The interior design seamlessly blends luxury, sportiness, and personalization, creating a unique driving environment that pays tribute to Rossi's legacy. The use of premium materials, such as carbon fiber and high-quality leather, further improves the overall experience, making the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 a true collector's item. High-Performance Engineering Under the hood, the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is powered by a formidable 405 kW/550 HP high-performance drive system, delivering exceptional performance and thrilling driving dynamics. The car's advanced engineering ensures that it not only looks the part but also delivers an exhilarating driving experience worthy of its namesake. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 benefits from the latest advancements in BMW's M division, including adaptive suspension, high-performance brakes, and a responsive powertrain that provides instant acceleration and precise handling. The car's performance is further enhanced by its lightweight construction, which incorporates carbon fiber and other advanced materials to reduce weight and improve agility. The result is a vehicle that effortlessly combines raw power with refined control, allowing drivers to push the limits on the track or enjoy a spirited drive on the open road. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence and its ability to create vehicles that are both visually stunning and incredibly capable. Pricing and Availability The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a highly exclusive offering, with only 92 units available worldwide. Each car comes with a unique 'once in a lifetime' experience, including a personal meeting with Valentino Rossi at his VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, Italy, and a BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Pricing details are available upon request, reflecting the bespoke nature and rarity of this collector's item. The limited production run and exclusive experiences make the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 a truly special acquisition for those fortunate enough to secure one. The exclusivity of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 extends beyond its limited numbers. Each vehicle is carefully handcrafted at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, ensuring the highest level of quality and attention to detail. The personal meeting with Valentino Rossi and the BMW M Driving Experience offer owners a chance to immerse themselves in the world of motorsports and create unforgettable memories. These exclusive experiences further enhance the value and desirability of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Explore More from BMW M For those intrigued by the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, BMW M offers a range of high-performance vehicles that blend luxury, innovation, and motorsport heritage. From the iconic BMW M3 to the innovative BMW M8, there's something for every enthusiast. Additionally, BMW's commitment to sustainability and electrification is evident in its growing lineup of hybrid and electric models, such as the BMW i4 and iX. Whether you're a collector or a performance enthusiast, BMW has a vehicle to match your passion. The brand's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and design ensures that each model delivers an unparalleled driving experience. Beyond the vehicles themselves, BMW M provides a comprehensive ecosystem of experiences and services designed to cater to the needs and desires of its discerning clientele. From exclusive events and driving experiences to personalized customer support and aftersales services, BMW M goes above and beyond to ensure that owning one of its vehicles is a truly exceptional journey. As the brand continues to evolve and innovate, it remains committed to creating vehicles that inspire passion, deliver performance, and leave a lasting impression on the automotive landscape. Source BMW Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Times of Oman
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Hard-fought ninth place at Spa for Al Harthy, Rossi, Van der Linde.
Team WRT trio Ahmad Al Harthy, Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had to be satisfied with a ninth place result during round three of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Belgium on Saturday, 10th May, in an encounter where the pace of the No.46 BMW M4 was largely maximised. Aiming to mount a podium challenge ahead of the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, continuing the momentum from their fabulous second place at Imola in Italy last month, other than a speed-limiter glitch in one of the pit-stops the race went fairly faultlessly. Oman's Al Harthy raced very competitively from ninth on the LMGT3 grid during his two hour-plus stint. Making excellent early gains after a superb start, he ensured the team was in the best position possible as the No.46 car spent a good portion of the first 120 minutes in and around the top three. Following the system glitch at Al Harthy's second stop, an unfortunate drive-through penalty had to be served before Rossi and van der Linde then took the concluding parts of the six-hour race at the famous Ardennes track. Qualifying on Saturday went well for Al Harthy, ending the run seventh fastest and just half a second shy of provisional pole. Progressing the Team WRT entry into the all-important Hyperpole session immediately after, which Rossi contested, the Italian ended up ninth in the top 10 grid shoot-out. As usual, OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman supported Al Harthy took the start of the race and he made typically impressive early progress. Leaping into the top five and then staying there to lap eight, the Omani then climbed into fourth. Rising into the top three later in the opening hour, as the first 60 minutes of action reached its conclusion Al Harthy was in the lead of the class with pit-stops already taking place. Following his first pit-stop he held third in LMGT3 prior to a Virtual Safety Car period and remained in the podium battle midway through hour two before a full Safety Car interruption. Following the team's second stop Al Harthy found himself ninth in LMGT3 and into the third hour he climbed back into the top six and worked hard to undo the damage of the penalty stop before Rossi took over. Battling his way back to the tail of the top six by the end of hour three, when the Safety Car was again required, soon after he moved into second as further pit-stops were made. Rossi then pitted and rejoined in seventh, climbing up to third with just a couple of hours remaining as the Safety Car circulated once more. At the next pit visit van der Linde took his first race miles with roughly 90 minutes to go and although moving up from the top 12 to fifth, after a final stop with 40 minutes left the South African was 12th again and had to ultimately settle for ninth position. Ahmad Al Harthy said, 'We had a really mega start and a very good first two stints, the car felt really good and we managed to get quite a few places. After the first pit-stops we managed to go up to P2 and then P1 with amazing strategy, and some fuel saving as well, but unfortunately there was a glitch in the system at the next stop which resulted in us having to serve a drive-through for the speed limit. 'We managed to compose ourselves and come back, start hunting the places back, and really got the car in a respectable position before Vale took over – he and Kelvin did a great job. The pace of the car for this weekend was what it was, P9 in the end was the actual maximum we could have got out of the car. Spa being Spa, it was a very entertaining race and a very tough race. 'Realistically it was nearly a perfect race for us in terms of our driving performances and the strategy, even without the glitch in the system it wouldn't have made us finish any higher than we were this weekend. We've understood a lot from the car and that will make us stronger for the most important race of the season, the Le Mans 24 Hours. I'm delighted and excited to be going back to Le Mans again and representing Oman in such an amazing motorsport event.' Round four of the FIA WEC season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will be contested over the weekend 14th/15th June at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps LMGT3 Race Result 1st Alessio Rovera / Francois Heriau / Simon Mann (Vista AF Corse / Ferrari 296) 2nd Dennis Olsen / Stefano Gattuso / Gianmarco Levorato (Proton Competition / Ford Mustang) 3rd Davide Rigon / Thomas Flohr / Francesco Castellacci (Vista AF Corse / Ferrari 296) 4th Ben Barker / Bernardo Sousa / Ben Tuck (Proton Competition / Ford Mustang) 5th Mattia Drudi / Ian James / Zacharie Robichon (Heart of Racing Team / Aston Martin Vantage) 9th Ahmad Al Harthy / Valentino Rossi / Kelvin van der Linde (Team WRT / BMW M4) 2025 FIA WEC LMGT3 Driver Standings (after Rd3): 1st Ben Keating / Daniel Juncadella / Jonny Edgar, 44pts 2nd Alessio Rovera / Francois Heriau / Simon Mann, 40pts 3rd Arnold Robin / Finn Gehrsitz, 38pts 9th Ahmad Al Harthy / Valentino Rossi / Kelvin van der Linde, 21pts 2025 FIA WEC LMGT3 Team Standings (after Rd3): 1st TF Sport (Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R), 44pts 2nd Vista AF Corse (Ferrari 296 GT3), 40pts 3rd Akkodis ASP Team (Lexus RC F LMGT3), 38pts 9th Team WRT (BMW M4 LMGT3), 21pts
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Mail Sport Extreme: Aston Martin add a touch of class to endurance racing as Tincknell targets another 'rockstar' moment
Sometimes, the journey is just as important as the final destination. Sometimes, it's worth being there from the start. The FIA's World Endurance Championship may have been around for 13 years now, but it's still finding its way in the sporting world. Last weekend, they hosted their second event of the season at arguably the most famous track on the calendar — Imola. While a sea of red formed for Ferrari and Italians packed out the stand to see Valentino Rossi compete for the BMW LMGT3 team, many others were on site soaking up the experience, whilst also looking to catch a glimpse of the likes of Jenson Button, Kevin Magnusson, Mick Schumacher, Paul Di Resta and other notable former Formula One drivers, who were representing various teams in the hypercar division. With access F1 fans can only dream of, the WEC puts on a motorsport show like no other. Entry to the paddock, pit lane and garages gives the 65,500 or so fans at the track daily a view and insight like nothing they can experience with their 'big cousin' in F1, with autograph sessions with every driver held over the course of a four-day festival of motorsport. For now, eight races across the year varying in length — with the shortest being six hours, and the main event being the Le Mans 24-hour race — are enough, with Imola, Mount Fuji and Le Mans itself on the schedule, though there are plans to incorporate other tracks too, should an agreement be found between all parties involved. Currently, there are two classes of car — hypercar, a high-performance supercar, and the LMGT3, modified cars based on grand tourers — held to regulations set by the FIA and ACO (Automobile Club de le'Ouest). With cars being sent out with one driver as part of a team of three for the duration of the race, tactics and decision-making play a huge role in the sport. Not to mention the skill of the driver. Of course, it is not just the sport that is in its adolescence. Some teams are just getting started. Though Aston Martin have been competing — very well, in fact — in the GT divisions for years, they are taking the initial steps in the hypercar division, pushing the boundaries with their Valkyrie car, the first of its kind which is based off a production car but built for racing. Driver Harry Tincknell has been racing for 25 years, following a similar pathway into the sport as most drivers through karting, but after having his first taste of endurance racing at Le Mans in 2014, he never looked back. 'I was at this sort of crossroads, finished fifth in the F3 European Championship, tried to go to F2 — GP2 as it was known then,' he says. 'I got an offer to go and do Le Mans Series and Le Mans with an LMPT2 and one was needing to find a lot of money, one wasn't. In the end, I ended up doing the sports car deal and haven't really looked back. 'I debuted at Le Mans, ended up winning the class (LMPT2), and finished second in the European Championship. Ever since then, I've had factory deals, first with Nissan then Ford, Aston Martin in 2020 — which we won (at Le Mans) — Mazda in the states, back to Ford, then Porsche and now at Aston Martin. Hopefully I'm here for a while.' Having debuted with Aston Martin in 2020, winning at Le Mans in the GTE class, Tincknell has a brief history with the manufacturer, but it is one which is borne out of passion for the journey the car can take you on. Though Ferrari took the glory in the hypercar division, it is the potential for what there could be to come in the future with Aston Martin — and the V12 engine — that excites everyone involved in the project. 'Being back at Aston now, I'd only raced with them once — at Le Mans in 2020, which we ended up winning — so even though it's only a short history, it's a strong history,' adds Tincknell. 'I've competed against them a lot, they're very competitive in the GTE cars. The car, this set-up and this team really drew me it and got me excited. 'The car looks exceptional, it sounds exceptional. The V12 adds something different to the championship. A British driver, iconic British manufacturer, in the 007, it's pinch-yourself stuff. 'Of course, it's not easy coming sort of three years behind some of our competitors, and there's going to be that sort of period which we're in now where we're learning and improving every time. But it's really exciting. 'It's also nice to be part of a journey right at the start, and be able to put your mark on something, help develop it and really take it from the ashes and turn it into the phoenix, hopefully.' The journey for Tincknell may just be starting at Aston Martin, and even though the 33-year-old has been on podiums for the majority of his life, nothing could have prepared him for that Le Mans debut. It was a true rockstar moment, one that he'll cherish for the rest of his life. 'Winning the LMPT2, the first time you're at Le Mans, I remember the scrutineering,' he says. 'You walk out and there's six (rows) deep on either side, with fans wanting autographs and you think: 'This is different from normal'. 'The wait now is big on all races, but back then the Le Mans series didn't have that many fans; so to go to 300,000-400,000, it was a massive step up. 'Sometimes, when you're naïve and don't know things, it can help. The team were really good at keeping me on the ground during the week, not getting lost with all the razzmatazz that's going on. 'The race went as well as it could have possibly gone. We passed the car with two hours to go for the lead and you walk out on the podium and you feel like a rockstar at Wembley the moment you look out on the track. It's 100,000 people, as far as you can see. It's the most incredible view I've ever seen in my life. 'Afterwards, I remember the team being like: 'You're supposed to go through the pain of having failures and problems'. To come in the first time and win, it's not really how it's usually done but I got a nice touch that time.'
