The Nine-time MotoGP champion seeks triumph in Abu Dhabi with Team WRT

Motorsport fans can look forward to the 2023 edition of Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours as doors open at Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 7 December 2023: As a 7-time MotoGP champion, Valentino Rossi is no stranger to success, with the Italian racing star eyeing up an elusive first Gulf 12 Hours championship at this weekend’s final race weekend at Yas Marina Circuit.

Although the MotoGP legend is widely known for his groundbreaking career with a two-wheeler, his stint at four-wheel endurance racing has not gone unnoticed. The nine-time MotoGP champion makes his way to Abu Dhabi after a podium-producing performance at Road to Le Mans and an impressive P6 finish at 24H Spa earlier this year, cementing his ability in GT racing.

This weekend’s Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit presents Rossi with the perfect opportunity to cap off a strong season, with the perfect setting to capture his first career endurance racing victory in the Gulf 12 Hours title.

Commenting on his team’s ability to clinch the championship, Rossi reminisces on the highlights of his season with the Belgian team “I think it [24 Hours of Spa] was the best endurance race of the season because we finished P6 and you know that in Spa you have more than 70 cars and the level is very, very high, it's the best GT race in the world. “

“We have a good team and with my teammates in WRT, it’s always fun. For me this year has been good because the target has improved from last year and we’re finishing the year by aiming to stand atop podium and score points.”

Motorsports enthusiast can experience the thrilling high-speed action as the 28 GT3 cars take to Yas Marina Circuit for this weekend’s Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours, with tickets available to enjoy the full racing weekend alongside incredible trackside experiences from the public pit-lane walk to the Pirelli supercar parade.

For more information on tickets and the full racing schedule for the 2023 edition of Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours at: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsports/gulf-hours.

ENDS

ABOUT ETHARA

Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. For further information, visit: www.ethara.com

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ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.

Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.

As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.